Tinubu reacts to Babangida’s revelation on June 12 election
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday in Abuja, commended former President Ibrahim Babangida for admitting that M.K.O. Abiola won the June 12, 1993 election.
Speaking at the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, and a fundraising event for the IBB Presidential Library, Tinubu recognized Babangida’s role in the country’s history.
Babangida confirmed, for the first time in 32 years, that Abiola had won the election based on collated results.
The annulment of the election led to a political crisis and played a part in Babangida’s departure from office.
Tinubu stated that acknowledging the truth would help set the record straight.
The president also spoke about his plans for Nigeria, stressing the need for bold decisions to improve the economy.
He urged Nigerians to focus on developing their country, warning that global migration policies could affect those seeking opportunities abroad.
The event brought together political and business leaders, including former Presidents of Ghana and Sierra Leone. Babangida, reflecting on his decision to annul the election, called it the most difficult choice of his life and admitted he would have handled the situation differently.
He expressed relief that former President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously honoured Abiola.
The gathering also recognized Babangida’s impact on Nigeria’s banking sector and economic reforms.
Tinubu thanked him for shaping a generation of leaders and acknowledged his contributions to the country’s progress.
