The recent launch of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” has ignited a firestorm of reactions in Nigeria. The book, which chronicles Babangida’s life and presidency, has sparked both praise and criticism, with some hailing his honesty and others condemning his delayed admission of wrongdoing.
Babangida’s autobiography reveals startling truths about his presidency, including his admission that Moshood Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was annulled by him. Babangida stated that Abiola secured the required geographical spread and majority votes, winning 2/3 majority of the then 30-state Nigeria. He also acknowledged that his initial denial of Abiola’s victory was incorrect, “and upon deeper reflection, it became clear that Abiola won the election.”
However, Babangida’s admission has raised questions about his accountability for the annulment and its consequences. It notes that the annulment sparked widespread protests and criticism, leading to a broad coalition of Nigerian democrats known as the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO.
Furthermore, several key people lost their lives, including Kudirat Abiola, Abiola’s wife, who was assassinated in 1996 while fighting for her husband’s mandate.
The launch of Babangida’s autobiography has also highlighted his legacy as a military dictator. “Babangida’s word in his days as a military dictator was a command.” During his presidency, Babangida created several states, including Akwa Ibom and Katsina, and merged political parties into two main parties.
The controversy surrounding Babangida’s autobiography has sparked a national conversation about accountability, leadership, and the legacy of military rule in Nigeria. “Now that he has admitted his fault for nullifying a free and fair election and denied the winner of assuming his mandate, will Babangida be willing to submit himself to the law court to face judgment for his actions? Time will tell.”