June 12: Ozekhome Urges Nigerians To Forgive Babangida Over Election Annulment
Prominent civil rights activist and constitutional lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, has called on Nigerians to forgive former military head of state, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, for annulling the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Ozekhome made the appeal following Babangida’s public admission during his book launch on February 21, 2025, that Chief MKO Abiola won the election. The former military leader, however, claimed that forces beyond his control were responsible for the cancellation.
In a statement titled “Babangida’s Confession and Atonement: Quo Vadis”, Ozekhome urged Nigerians to embrace reconciliation and national unity.
“I have carefully read and listened to former Nigerian military president, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida’s public remorse and regrets over the atrocious annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential elections. He did this 32 whopping years later,” Ozekhome stated.
He commended Babangida for his willingness to admit his role in the annulment, describing the confession as an act of courage.
“It takes a man with strong guts and a repentant heart to publicly acknowledge past wrongdoings and seek forgiveness. This was no doubt meant to heal the wounds and balm wounded and bruised hearts,” he added.
The June 12, 1993, election is widely regarded as Nigeria’s most credible poll. Its annulment sparked nationwide protests, political unrest, and violence, eventually forcing Babangida to step down. This led to the establishment of an interim government headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan and the subsequent arrest of Abiola, who later died in detention under controversial circumstances.
For decades, Babangida refused to take full responsibility for the annulment. However, during the presentation of his memoir, “A Journey in Service”, he publicly expressed regret.
“I regret June 12. I accept full responsibility for the decisions taken, and June 12 happened under my watch. Mistakes and missteps happened in quick succession. That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my expression of regret,” Babangida said.
In a landmark revelation, he also confirmed for the first time that Abiola won the election decisively, defeating his opponent, Alhaji Bashir Tofa.
Reacting to the confession, Ozekhome commended Babangida for his humility in admitting his mistakes.
“I want to salute Babangida for having the courage and humility to own up like a man; that everything that happened during the June 12 crisis took place under him as the head of state and the president who was also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stated.
Despite the controversial annulment, Ozekhome acknowledged Babangida’s contributions to Nigeria’s development, particularly in establishing the Federal Capital Territory and appointing intellectuals to key government positions.
Reflecting on his personal experiences, Ozekhome noted that he was also a victim of the June 12 crisis, recalling the protests, detentions, and financial difficulties he faced at the time.
“It is confession that leads to penance, and penance leads to restitution and then forgiveness. If Babangida were to die today, I believe that he will see the face of God because he has prayed to God to forgive him, and he has prayed to Nigerians to forgive him,” he added.
Ozekhome, therefore, called on Nigerians to accept Babangida’s apology and let go of past grievances.
“Nigerians, please, accept IBB’s confession and forgive him for annulling the June 12, 1993, elections. Let the wounds heal; let the heart melt; and let the spirit of national triumphalism prevail,” he urged.
