Former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has openly accepted full responsibility for the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, calling it one of the “most regrettable” events in Nigeria’s history.
Addressing the audience during the launch of his autobiography, ‘A Journey in Service’, and the inauguration of his presidential library in Abuja on Thursday, Babangida candidly reflected on his tenure, acknowledging the widespread controversy and lasting impact of the decisions made by his administration.
Babangida reflected on the challenges and sacrifices Nigerians endured during his tenure, emphasising that his administration was always dedicated to improving the country for future generations.
He acknowledged the historic importance of the June 12, 1993, election, widely hailed as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.
Despite this, he expressed profound regret that, after designing the electoral system that led to such a credible process, his administration ultimately fell short of seeing it through to its conclusion.
Babangida said: “Undoubtedly, credible, free, and fair elections were held on June 12, 1993. However, the tragic irony of history remains that the administration that devised a near-perfect electoral system and conducted those near-perfect elections could not complete the process. That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret.
“As the leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch, and June 12 happened under my watch. Mistakes, oversight, and missteps happened in quick succession, but as I state in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.
“Our nation’s march to democracy was interrupted, a fact that I deeply regret. But Nigeria survived, and democracy is still alive, a testament to our regime and commitment to progress.”
Source: X | channelstv
