Politics

I Regrets Annulling June 12 Presidential Election – IBB

Published

3 months ago

February 20, 2025

Former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, on Thursday, expressed regret over the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, describing it the most difficult period of his life.

Babangida said this at the official launch of his memoir, ‘A Journey in Service,’ in Abuja.

He said, “Undoubtedly credible, free and fair elections were held in June, on June 12, 1993.

“However, the tragic irony of history remains that the administration that devised a near-perfect electoral system and conducted those near-perfect elections could not complete the process.

“That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret.

“As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch.”

He added, “And June 12 happened under my watch, mistakes, oversights and missteps happened in quick succession, but I say in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.

“Our nation’s march to democracy was interrupted, a fact that I deeply regret. But Nigeria and democracy is still alive, a testament to commitment.”

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also rehashed Babangida’s words while reviewing the book.

“June 12 elections was the most challenging of my life. If have to do it all over again, I’ll do it differently,” Osinbajo said quoting a section from the book.

The book, which offers insights into key moments in the country’s history, also addresses other national controversies, including the 1976 coup attempt that led to the assassination of then-Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, and the 1986 letter bomb that killed investigative journalist, Dele Giwa.

Reflecting on his decision to annul the June 12 election, widely regarded as the most credible in the country’s history, Babangida admitted that if given another chance, he would have handled the situation differently.

The June 12 election, won by businessman and politician, Moshood Abiola, is considered Nigeria’s freest and fairest election.

However, Babangida annulled the results, citing concerns over national security.

This sparked widespread protests and political unrest nationwide at the time.

The annulment eventually led to Babangida’s resignation and a prolonged struggle for democracy in Nigeria, culminating in the return to civilian rule in 1999.

Thursday’s event marked the official launch of General Babangida’s official memoir, ‘A Journey in Service’.

It drew an elite gathering of past and present leaders who reflected on his legacy and the state of democracy in West Africa.

Discussions ranged from Babangida’s contributions to Nigeria’s political history to concerns over the resurgence of military coups in the region.

In his keynote address, former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo emphasised the importance of multi-party democracy in Africa’s development.

He warned against the growing wave of military takeovers, calling them a setback to democratic progress.

“Multiple parties are good for our continent,” Akufo-Addo said, urging leaders to protect democratic institutions.

Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), lauded Babangida’s rise from aide-de-camp to head of state, describing him as a “boss of bosses.”

Gowon also expressed gratitude for Babangida’s decision to restore his rank of General after it was stripped following the 1976 coup.

The former head of state said, “Thank you for restoring my rank,” reflecting on how Babangida’s leadership impacted his life.

Meanwhile, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, another former military president, shared personal anecdotes about his long-standing relationship with Babangida, which, he said, spans over 80 years.

Abdulsalami recalled a childhood prophecy that foretold Babangida’s rise to power and commended him for documenting his life’s journey.

“Your memoir will enrich the country,” Abdulsalami stated.

For his part, former President Goodluck Jonathan described Babangida as one of Nigeria’s most charismatic leaders and called for the creation of presidential libraries to preserve the country’s political history.

“IBB brought us here today to celebrate his book and library.

“His home has become somewhat of a pilgrimage site,” Jonathan noted.

Representing immediate-past President Muhammadu Buhari, ex-Minister of Transportation, Jaji Sambo, delivered a congratulatory message, expressing hope that Babangida would continue offering valuable counsel to Nigeria’s leadership.

Various dignitaries and businessmen such as the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, launched the book with N8bn and N5bn each.

Dangote pledged to donate N2bn annually for four years for the construction of the IBB Presidential Library.

Meanwhile, Senator Sani Musa, representing Niger East Senatorial District, donated N250m; the Fidelity Bank leadership launched the book with N150m, while Businessman Arthur Eze donated N500m

Related Topics:Babangida IBB June 12 Election

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UPDATED: Abiola Won June 12 Election, But Annulment Was My Toughest Decision – Babangida

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APC LG Chairmen, Councillors Elected In 2022 Resume In 14 Osun Councils

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Politics

US-based Mathematics Professor Joins Osun Gov Race

Published

9 hours ago

June 5, 2025

Editor

A United States of America-based Professor of Mathematics, Rafiu Durodoye, has joined the race for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress, promising to focus on education and quality healthcare delivery if elected governor.

Durodoye, an indigene of Osogbo, Osun State who was accompanied by many supporters, earlier met the members of the State Working Committee of the APC at the party’s State Secretariat in Osogbo on Wednesday.

Prof. Rafiu Durodoye
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Durodoye expressed hope that APC would provide a platform for him to contest the poll.

“I am Professor Rauf Durotoye, a Professor of Mathematics at Dallas College for 37 years.
At this point in my life, I have to contribute my quota to the development of Osun State.

“I want to donate my knowledge, experience and wealth to the development of our youth. Our youth have no future, no mission, no goal, it is very sad.

“So I have to donate everything that I have in order to make Osun, not only a great state but also a model state that others will learn from in education, health care delivery, science and technology and economy empowerment, I can do it,” Durodoye said.

Commenting on the state of affairs in Osun APC, he commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola for providing leadership for the party in Osun.

He also lauded President Bola Tinubu, for the effort to stimulate the economy, saying the direction he is leading Nigeria will end in self and sustained growth.

Asked about his chances to get an APC ticket, the university don said, “I am very hopeful that the party will give me the ticket. I am here to provide service. No quality education in the state, we have to do something about it.”

Already, the Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, a security expert and lawyer, Mr. Dotun Babayemi and the chairman, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, have announced their interest in the APC ticket for the August 8, 2026 Osun governorship poll.
(PUNCH)

Politics

Osun APC, PDP In War Of Words After Adeleke, Tinubu’s Meeting

Published

10 hours ago

June 4, 2025

Editor

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Wednesday said Governor Ademola Adeleke should not bother to defect to its fold.

The party, which said there is no space for the Governor in the party, spoke through ex Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, while commenting on the recent meeting the Governor, his nephew and popular Afrobeat star, David Adeleke popularly known as Davido, as well as, billionaire businessman, Dr. Deji Adeleke, had with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.

The pictures taken during the meeting had generated diverse reactions and sparked rumour of Adeleke’s impending defection to APC.

But the spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun, Oladele Bamiji, said the APC members in the state are naive and arrogant by claiming sole ownership of the President.

Bamiji also said Osun APC expected Tinubu and Adeleke to fight, forgetting that both being leaders of the entire federation and a prominent unit of the country respectively would have reasons to meet and discuss issues around governance and politics.

He added, “Maybe because they feel that the definition of their own federal might is to use the opportunity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu being the leader of the nation to financially strangulate the wheel of progress in Osun State.

“Maybe they forgot that, in a federal system of government, if there is a failure in Osun State, under normal circumstances, the ultimate effect of it should go to the President. Osun APC members are naive.”

Insisting that APC would not allow Adeleke to join the national ruling party, Owoeye, who declared that the APC ticket was not for sale, further noted, “I am saying this categorically that APC ticket is not for sale. As a matter of fact, as of today, we don’t see Adeleke as a member or part of APC as a party. Let me be sincere with you, the APC in Osun is the party to beat.

“I want to tell you that if not because of the fear of the unknown that is disturbing the Adeleke family and the PDP, they wouldn’t have been showing the intention of coming to the APC.

“We have been saying this times without number that APC in Osun, if not because of the brigandage that followed the 2022 election and that of 2023, we shouldn’t have had PDP as elected officials across the state.

“Now that the Adeleke family has seen that their tenure is already terminated, come August 08, 2026, we are driving away the PDP from the Osun government, and we want to appeal to our people to remain calm. There is no space for PDP or Adeleke in the APC.”

Buttressing Osun PDP opinion about Tinubu, Adeleke’s meeting, spokesperson for the governor, Olawale Rasheed, said his principal would not defect to any political party.

“He remains a bonafide member and leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun state. The media speculation about likely or imminent defection is fake news. Governor Adeleke remains a member and leader of the PDP in Osun state.

“The visit by the Adeleke dynasty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a routine courtesy visit. Any reading of defection agenda into the visit is mere fake news,” Rasheed said in a statement.

(PUNCH)

Politics

Anambra Governorship: INEC Publishes Final List, Announces Date For Campaign

Published

15 hours ago

June 4, 2025

Editor

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Wednesday published final list of 16 candidates for Nov. 8 Anambra governorship election.

The commission stated that electioneering campaigns would begin on June 11.

Mr Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja.

Olumekun said that with the publication, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates would be allowed, except in the event of death before the election date as provided by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.

He stated that 16 political parties uploaded the particulars of their candidates (Form EC9), by the deadline of 6 p.m. on Monday May 12, of which their personal particulars were recently published.

He noted that in line with the provision of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties were empowered to replace their candidates who voluntarily withdrew from the race.

“Accordingly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), conducted a fresh primary election to replace its candidate while four political parties replaced their deputy governorship candidates.

“They are Accord (A), African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

“The deadline for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates was Monday June 2.

“Consequently, the commission hereby publishes the final list of candidates that will contest in the Nov.8 2025 Anambra governorship election.

“Sixteen out of the 19 registered parties are participating in the election out of which the African Action Congress (AAC) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) have nominated female candidates, while six parties are fielding female running mates.

“They are Accord (A), All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

“No party has nominated a person with disability as a candidate. In terms of age, the candidates’ ranged between 36 and 71 years,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the candidates according to the publication include Charles Soludo of APGA, Eze Nwafo Jude of PDP, Nwosu John of ADC, Ukachukwu Nicholas of APC and George Mogbalu of LP.

Olumekun said that the full list of the candidates by party, age, gender and academic qualifications had been uploaded on the commission’s website and social media platforms for public information.

He also disclosed that the in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties were at liberty to start their electioneering campaigns in public from Wednesday June 11 and end at midnight on Thursday Nov. 6.

Olumekun, however, warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against unlawful use of abusive language, physical attacks on opponents during rallies, processions and meetings or destruction of campaign materials.

These acts according to him are against Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022.

“Similarly, all parties and candidates must be given unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaign, outdoor advertising as well as public rallies and meetings.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any party or candidate,” he said