The former military head of state, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has finally admitted that newspaper mogul, late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election. This comes 32 years after the exercise that shook the foundations of the country.
General Babangida’s revelation was contained in his autobiography, “A Journey in Service”, which was launched in Abuja on Thursday.
Through the book reviewer and former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, Babangida said that the late MKO Abiola, who contested the presidential election on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), secured the majority of votes and the geographical spread to be the president.
He described the June 12 election annulment as the most challenging aspect of his life.
“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” he said.
He, however, said that he was happy that President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged that Abiola won the election and honoured him with the greatest national title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR, which is for presidents.
Abiola died in prison while fighting for the validation of his victory.