Imagine being in charge of a big school election, but before the results are announced, someone else cancels it without your permission. This is what former Nigerian leader Ibrahim Babangida says happened in 1993 when the historic June 12 election was annulled.
In his new book, A Journey in Service, Babangida reveals that he was in Katsina attending a funeral when he heard the shocking news that the election had been canceled. He said the announcement was rushed and poorly done, and it was not his decision.
According to Babangida, a group called the Association for a Better Nigeria (ABN), led by Arthur Nzeribe, tried to stop the election by getting a court order. Even though some military officers wanted to cancel the vote, Babangida claimed he had already decided that the election should go ahead.
On June 11, Babangida held a serious meeting with top military officials, including General Sani Abacha. They wanted to delay the election, but Babangida said no. He told the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to go ahead and conduct the vote.
However, things took a surprising turn on June 16 when NEC suddenly stopped announcing the results. A few days later, another court order completely blocked the process. Babangida said he was shocked when the final cancellation was announced while he was away. He believes Abacha and his supporters planned everything behind his back.
Babangida admitted that he regretted what happened but accepted responsibility as the leader at the time. “I was caught between a devil and the deep blue sea,” he wrote in his book.
This revelation gives a new perspective on one of Nigeria’s most controversial elections and the events that led to its cancellation.
