IBB Confesses: MKO Abiola won 1993 presidential election

February 20, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

Former Nigerian military head of state General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has revealed that Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly known as MKO Abiola, won the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

This confession is contained in IBB’s autobiography, “A Journey in Service”, which was launched in Abuja on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

According to former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who reviewed the book, IBB stated that upon deeper reflection and a closer examination of all available facts, particularly the detailed election results, there was no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 elections. IBB quoted,

“Although I am on record to have stated after the election that Abiola may not have won the election, upon deeper reflection and a closer examination of all available facts, particularly the detailed election results, which are published as an appendix to this book, there was no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 elections.”

IBB also expressed regret over his past actions, stating that if he had to do it all over again, he would do it differently.

This revelation is a significant departure from IBB’s previous stance on the election, which was annulled by the military regime at the time.

The long-awaited autobiography, which was reviewed by former Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

Osinbajo disclosed that IBB admitted that the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly known as MKO Abiola, won the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

He quoted the former military general in his book that if he had to do it all over again, he would do it differently.

He stated: “He also answers the question whether Abiola actually won the June 12 election, and I quote him, ‘although I am on record to have stated after the election that Abiola may not have won the election, upon deeper reflection and a closer examination of all available facts, particularly the detailed election results, which are published as an appendix to this book, there was no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 elections.”

The June 12, 1993 presidential election was a pivotal moment in Nigerian history, with Abiola’s victory seen as a beacon of hope for democracy in the country.

However, the election’s annulment by the military regime led to widespread protests and unrest, ultimately resulting in the restoration of military rule.

IBB’s confession is a sign of major development in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle for democracy and accountability.