The family of the late General Sani Abacha Abacha’s Family Rebukes IBB’s Claim on June 12 Annulmenthas responded to claims made by former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, regarding the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
In his recently launched autobiography, A Journey in Service, Babangida expressed regret over the annulment, acknowledging that the Social Democratic Party’s candidate, MKO Abiola, won the election.
The June 12, 1993, presidential election was widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history. However, the results were annulled by the military government, led by General Ibrahim Babangida, sparking widespread protests and condemnation.
In his autobiography, Babangida described the annulment as an “accident of history” and blamed military officers led by Abacha, who was then his Chief of Defence Staff, for the controversial decision. He alleged that the annulment was done “without his permission.”
The Abacha family has dismissed IBB’s claims, insisting that Abacha was neither the Head of State nor the Commander-in-Chief at the time of the annulment. In a statement signed by Mohammed Abacha, the late dictator’s son, the family accused Babangida of attempting to distort historical facts and shift blame.
*Key Points in Abacha’s Family Statement*
– *Decision to Annul the Election*: The decision to annul the election was made under the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.
– *Absolute Executive Powers*: Babangida, as the then Head of State, held absolute executive powers and was solely responsible for the actions of his government.
– *Distortion of Historical Facts*: Any attempt to shift the blame onto General Sani Abacha is a deliberate distortion of historical facts.
The controversy surrounding the June 12 annulment has significant implications for Nigeria’s democratic history and the legacy of the late General Sani Abacha. The Abacha family’s response to IBB’s claims highlights the need for accuracy and truth in historical accounts.
The June 12 annulment controversy has sparked a renewed debate about Nigeria’s democratic history and the legacy of the late General Sani Abacha. As the country continues to grapple with the implications of this controversy, it is essential to prioritize accuracy and truth in historical accounts.