Former Nigerian head of state, Ibrahim Babangida, has opened up on why he annulled the June 12, 1993 election, which is widely believed to have been won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale, M.K.A, Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Babaginda, who was the military ruler then, blamed the annulment on the possibility of a deadly coup as well as on pressure from both the military and civilians.
Africa Today News, New York recalls that the annulment rather led to protests and political unrest across Nigeria, which eventually culminated in the resignation of Babangida, giving way for an interim civilian government.
General Sani Abacha would shortly ascend power through a bloodless coup later in the year.
Speaking on the development, Babangida, in an interview with Arise TV which was monitored by Africa Today News, New York on Friday, was asked why he annulled the election, widely considered to be the best in the country’s history and the elder statesman responded, “Do you want me to be honest with you?”
He continued: “If it materialized [If the election had gone through], there would have been a coup d’etat which could have been violent. That is all I can confirm.
“It didn’t happen, thank God for the Maradonic way we handled you guys in the society.”
He added that the election “could have given room for more instability in the country.”
Asked further if he was pressured by the military or civilians to annul the election, Babangida said: ‘Both.’
‘Both, the Military, they can do it because they have the weapons to do it. The other is the social agitation.’
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK