A Historic Admission at IBB’s Book Launch
On February 21, 2025, former Nigerian Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) made a stunning admission during the launch of his autobiography, A Journey in Service. He acknowledged that the late Chief MKO Abiola was the true winner of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election—a moment many Nigerians had waited decades to hear.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, was present at the event and shared his thoughts on this pivotal moment. In a post on his verified X account, Obi praised IBB’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and national unity while reflecting on the lessons from the event.
IBB’s Regret and Responsibility
During the book launch, IBB described the annulment of the June 12 election as an “accident of history” and expressed deep regret. He stated, “As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch.” This admission marked a significant step toward addressing one of Nigeria’s most contentious political moments.
Peter Obi commended IBB for his courage in acknowledging the truth, calling it a move toward national healing and progress. He emphasized the importance of documenting such historical events to guide future generations.
Key Takeaways from the Event
Obi highlighted two major insights from the event:
“Rien n’a changé” – Nothing Much Has Changed
The keynote speaker’s quote in French, “Rien n’a changé,” resonated deeply. Obi noted that Nigeria has stagnated or even declined since IBB’s era, especially when compared to countries like Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and Ghana. These nations, once on par with Nigeria in terms of human development, have since advanced to medium and high Human Development Index (HDI) levels, while Nigeria remains stuck in the low HDI category.
Ghana’s Democratic Progress
Obi contrasted Nigeria’s electoral challenges with Ghana’s democratic success. Over the past 30 years, Ghana has seen peaceful transitions of power, with ruling party candidates conceding defeat when they lose—a stark contrast to Nigeria’s recurring issues with electoral credibility.
A Step Toward National Healing
The most poignant moment of the event was IBB’s acknowledgment of MKO Abiola’s victory in the 1993 election. Obi described this as a crucial step toward national healing and unity. He expressed hope that other key players in Nigeria’s democratic history would follow suit, recognizing the true winners of past elections to ensure honesty and reflection in the nation’s story.
Why This Matters
Peter Obi’s reflections underscore the importance of transparency, accountability, and learning from history. By acknowledging past mistakes and celebrating progress, Nigeria can pave the way for a brighter democratic future.