From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has finally confirmed and confessed that the late Chief Moshood Abiola, popularly known as M.K.O; won the 12 June 1993 Presidential Election.
General Babangida made this revelation in his autobiography, during his book launch which was titled: “A Journey in Service”, in Abuja, Thursday.
Chairing the event, the Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has commended the author’s efforts by bringing out this, noting that, IBB had not only played a role in shaping history but had also contributed to the documentary of one of the historical event in Nigeria.
During the Reviewing of the book, the former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, disclosed that Babangida confirmed that the late MKO Abiola, who contested the 1993 election under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), had secured both the majority of votes and the required geographical spread to be declared President.
He said, Babangida in his autobiography described the annulment of the 12 June election as the most challenging moment of his life.
According to Babangida, “There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He met all the necessary requirements,” he declared.
This revelation follows his previous expression of satisfaction that President Muhammadu Buhari, had acknowledged Abiola’s victory and posthumously conferred upon him (Abiola) Nigeria’s highest national honour, as the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).
Among the dignitaries present at the book launch were President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo, and former Heads of State, General Yakubu Gowon and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, among others.