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Babangida reveals Abacha’s role in June 12 election annulment

Published

12 months ago

February 21, 2025

Former military presidents, Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha

Babangida reveals Abacha’s role in June 12 election annulment

Former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, has finally opened up about the controversial June 12, 1993, presidential election annulment by his regime.

The election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, was won by Chief MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

However, its annulment plunged the nation into political turmoil, with many blaming Babangida for denying Nigerians their democratic choice.

In his newly released autobiography titled “A Journey in Service,” presented in Abuja on Thursday, Babangida revealed shocking details about the annulment.

According to TheCable, the former leader claimed he was in Katsina when news of the annulment broke—without his knowledge or approval.

Babangida alleged that the move was orchestrated by powerful forces within the military, led by then Chief of Defence Staff, Sani Abacha, who would later seize power and rule as military head of state.

Babangida, who had delivered a national broadcast on June 24, 1993, to formally announce the annulment, claimed that Abacha had grown too powerful within the factionalised military, making it nearly impossible to remove him after stepping down from office in August 1993.

Abacha’s grip on power tightened further when he ousted Ernest Shonekan’s Interim National Government in November 1993 and later detained Abiola for declaring himself president.

‘Abacha Led the Anti-June 12 Forces’
Babangida recalls giving the chairman of the National Electoral Commission, Professor Humphrey Nwosu, a direct order to proceed with the elections despite mounting tensions.

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“Go ahead with the elections. Go to your office, hold a world press conference and tell everyone the elections will be held tomorrow as planned,” he said he directed the electoral commission boss.

Yet, just four days later, Nwosu abruptly stopped the announcement of results—an action Babangida insisted was carried out without his prior knowledge or approval.

“And then, on June 16, without my knowledge or prior approval, NEC Chairman, Professor Nwosu, announced the suspension of the June 12 election results ‘until further notice’.

“I knew instantly that certain fifth columnists were at work and that there was a need for extra care! And even after that suspension of the announcements of results, ABN obtained another ‘strange’ court order from Justice Saleh’s court in Abuja, stopping the release of the results of the elections,” he continued.

On June 23, 1993, Babangida left Abuja for Katsina to condole with the Yar’Adua family over the passing of their patriarch, Musa Yar’Adua, a former minister of Lagos affairs and father of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

He added, “The funeral had taken place, and as I got ready to leave, a report filtered to me that the June 12 elections had been annulled.

“Even more bizarre was the extent of the annulment because it terminated all court proceedings regarding the June 12 elections, repealed all the decrees governing the Transition and even suspended NEC!

“Equally weird was the shabby way the statement was couched and made. Admiral (Augustus) Aikhomu’s press secretary, Nduka Irabor, had read out a terse, poorly worded statement from a scrap of paper, which bore neither the presidential seal nor the official letterhead of the government, annulling the June 12 presidential elections. I was alarmed and horrified.”

Babangida admitted that while annulment had been discussed as one of several options, it was never meant to be executed in the manner that unfolded.

“Yes, during the stalemate that followed the termination of the results announcement, the possibility of annulment that could lead to fresh elections was loosely broached in passing. But annulment was only a component of a series of other options.

“But to suddenly have an announcement made without my authority was, to put it mildly, alarming. I remember saying: ‘These nefarious ‘inside’ forces opposed to the elections have outflanked me!’ I would later find out that the ‘forces’ led by General Sani Abacha annulled the elections.

“There and then, I knew I was caught between ‘a devil and the deep blue sea’!! From then on, the June 12 elections took on a painful twist for which, as I will show later, I regrettably take responsibility.”

Babangida reveals Abacha’s role in June 12 election annulment

Related Topics:Abacha Babangida Election Featured June 12

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Alake: Killers of Mining Marshal Will Face Full Wrath of the Law

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5 minutes ago

February 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Dele Alake, Nigerian minister of Solid Minerals

Alake: Killers of Mining Marshal Will Face Full Wrath of the Law

The Federal Government of Nigeria has vowed to track down, prosecute, and bring to justice those responsible for the killing of a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer during a crackdown on illegal mining in Niger State.

Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, described the attack on the Mining Marshal as a “dastardly act” and assured that the perpetrators would be “smoked out” and made to face the full weight of the law.

In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, Alake emphasized that the Federal Government would strengthen its crackdown on illegal mining by procuring more weapons and operational equipment for Mining Marshals to ensure their safety.

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“The illegal miners responsible for the murder of the gallant officer in active service will be made to face the full wrath of the law. Their arrest and prosecution will send the right signal that this administration maintains zero tolerance for all forms of illegal mining and will do everything possible to defend its agents from murder,” he said.

Alake further revealed that relevant security intelligence agencies have been placed on red alert to guarantee the swift identification, arrest, and prosecution of the attackers.

The incident underscores the persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s mining sector, where illegal mining activities often result in violent clashes between enforcement officers and criminal elements seeking to exploit natural resources illegally.

The Minister’s declaration signals the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting mining officials and enforcing strict measures against illegal mining operations nationwide.

Alake: Killers of Mining Marshal Will Face Full Wrath of the Law

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Lagos Police Launch Manhunt for Suspect in Brutal Ajah Murder

Published

14 minutes ago

February 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Lagos Police Launch Manhunt for Suspect in Brutal Ajah Murder

The Nigeria Police Force has declared 30-year-old Iroegbu Alexandra Chisom, also known as “Biggy” or “Omoba Salvage,” wanted for murder and conspiracy following the alleged killing of his friend at a hotel in Lekki-Ajah, Lagos.

Police sources said the incident occurred at Pearl Service Apartment, where the victim, identified as Mr. Olusanya, was reportedly lured under false pretences before being fatally stabbed. Authorities allege the attack was premeditated and motivated by greed, with the suspects seizing the victim’s cash, high-end musical equipment, and vehicle.

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The Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, has obtained a warrant of arrest from the Federal High Court and warned that Chisom is considered armed and extremely dangerous. He is described as an Igbo man, approximately 1.82 metres tall, heavily built, with a dark complexion, oval face, thick lips, and a limp in one leg. His last known address is 23 Road X Close, Block 1, Flat 3, Area 1, FESTAC Town, Lagos.

Police have urged the public not to approach Chisom but to immediately report any information to the nearest police station or SCID Panti. A reward has been offered for tips leading to his capture, though details remain undisclosed.

This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns about cult-related violence and rising criminal activities in Lagos, particularly in the Lekki-Ajah corridor, where seemingly friendly interactions can turn deadly over material gains.

The victim’s family is mourning the loss, describing Olusanya as a promising individual whose life was cut short by betrayal. Meanwhile, residents in Ajah and surrounding areas have been put on high alert as the manhunt intensifies.

Lagos Police Launch Manhunt for Suspect in Brutal Ajah Murder

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El-Rufai to Appear Before EFCC After Alleged Airport Arrest Attempt

Published

13 hours ago

February 12, 2026

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Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai

El-Rufai to Appear Before EFCC After Alleged Airport Arrest Attempt

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, is scheduled to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, following what his legal team described as an attempted arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

El-Rufai’s counsel, Ubong Esop Akpan, disclosed this while reacting to Thursday’s incident involving security operatives. According to him, the former governor was approached shortly after arriving in Abuja aboard Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo, where he had reportedly travelled for medical treatment and rest.

Akpan described the development as a “flagrant violation of constitutional rights, executive overreach, and deliberate disregard for the rule of law.” He explained that the EFCC invitation was delivered to El-Rufai’s residence while he was already outside Nigeria, making immediate compliance “illogical and impractical.” According to the lawyer, it was unreasonable to expect instantaneous attendance from someone who was abroad at the time the invitation was issued.

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The legal team said it had formally communicated with the EFCC since December 2025, assuring the Commission that El-Rufai would comply upon his return. He added that the EFCC was explicitly notified that the former governor would voluntarily appear at the Commission’s office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, specifying both the date and time. Resorting to an attempted arrest despite that commitment, he argued, amounted to arbitrary conduct and procedural abuse.

Akpan further alleged that El-Rufai’s passport was seized during the encounter and demanded its immediate return, along with a formal apology. He maintained that there was no lawful basis for the attempted arrest or what he termed mistreatment, stressing that El-Rufai had publicly affirmed his willingness to face any legitimate investigation.

As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC has not issued an official statement regarding the airport incident or the exact nature of the allegations under investigation. However, sources indicate that the former governor’s invitation may be linked to ongoing investigations into alleged financial transactions and administrative decisions during his tenure in Kaduna State.

The development has generated significant political interest, given El-Rufai’s influence in national politics and his outspoken role in governance debates. His scheduled appearance before the anti-corruption agency on Monday is expected to shed more light on the allegations and determine the next steps in the matter.