June 12: Abacha’s family slams IBB’s claim on annulment

The family of the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha, has strongly criticized former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) over his recent statements regarding the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Babangida had claimed in a recent interview that certain powerful figures, including Abacha, played a key role in the decision to annul the election, which was widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.

Abacha Family’s Response

In a swift reaction, the Abacha family dismissed Babangida’s claims as false and an attempt to rewrite history. They argued that General Abacha was not responsible for the annulment and that the decision rested solely with Babangida as the head of state at the time. According to them, it is misleading to shift the blame on others when the responsibility for the annulment belonged to IBB’s government.

The family further accused Babangida of distorting historical facts to protect his legacy and evade accountability for the political turmoil that followed the annulment. They insisted that Abacha only took over power in 1993 after Babangida’s resignation, meaning he could not have played any role in the controversial decision to cancel the election.

IBB’s Justification for the Annulment

Babangida had stated that the annulment of the June 12 election, won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, was necessary to prevent a national crisis. He claimed that there were pressures from various quarters, including the military, to stop the election results from standing. IBB also suggested that Abacha and some other military officers wanted the annulment, implying that he was not the only one responsible for the decision.

However, political analysts have long held that Babangida’s administration failed to provide convincing reasons for the annulment. Many believe the move was purely political, aimed at preserving military rule and preventing Abiola from assuming office.

Public Reactions and the Legacy of June 12

The latest exchange between the Abacha family and Babangida has reignited discussions about the events surrounding the June 12 election. Many Nigerians continue to see Babangida as the architect of the annulment, with some insisting that the country has yet to fully recover from the political instability it caused.

Meanwhile, democracy advocates argue that instead of shifting blame, those responsible should acknowledge their roles in undermining Nigeria’s democratic process. The debate over June 12 remains one of the most contentious issues in Nigeria’s political history, with many calling for more transparency about what truly happened behind closed doors in 1993.