Gen IBB Babangida’s Book Launch Confession of Thursday, February 20, 2025: Mourning the Yoruba’s Loss!

By Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies

On Thursday, February 20, 2025, Nigeria’s former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, launched his memoir, “A Journey in Service”. The book launch, which took place in Abuja, was attended by dignitaries from across the country. However, it was not the launch of the book that made headlines, but rather Babangida’s confession during his speech. The former military president revealed that he had been haunted by the ghosts of June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was annulled by his regime (Babangida, 2025).

Babangida’s confession was a significant moment in Nigeria’s history, as it marked the first time the former military president had publicly acknowledged the pain and suffering caused by the annulment of the June 12 election. The election, which was won by Chief Moshood Abiola, a Yoruba businessman and politician, was widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history (Campbell, 2000).

However, Babangida’s regime annulled the election, citing irregularities and electoral malpractices. The annulment sparked widespread protests and violence across the country, particularly in the southwestern region, where Abiola’s supporters were concentrated (Adebayo, 2002).

In his confession, Babangida acknowledged that the annulment of the June 12 election was a mistake, and that he had been haunted by the consequences of his actions. He stated that he had been unable to sleep at night, thinking about the pain and suffering he had caused to the families of those who lost their lives during the protests and violence that followed the annulment (Babangida, 2025).

Babangida’s confession has been un-widely welcomed by many Nigerians, particularly those from the Yoruba ethnic group, who felt that the annulment of the June 12 election was a deliberate attempt to deny them the presidency. They believed if Tofa from Northern Nigeria had won the election, the story would be different. However, the confession has also been seen as a significant step towards healing the wounds of the past and promoting national reconciliation (Agbaje, 2004).

Although, not everyone has welcomed Babangida’s confession. Some have argued that the confession is too little, too late, and that Babangida should have taken responsibility for his actions much earlier. Others have questioned the sincerity of Babangida’s confession, arguing that it is a calculated attempt to rehabilitate his image and legacy (Ogundiya, 2010).

Despite these criticisms, Babangida’s confession remains a significant moment in Nigeria’s history. It marks a rare instance of a Nigerian leader taking responsibility for their actions and acknowledging the harm caused by their decisions. It also highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in governance, and the need for leaders to be honest and truthful about their actions and decisions. Let’s hope such would never be repeated again in the nation.

In conclusion, Babangida’s confession during the launch of his memoir is a significant moment in Nigeria’s history. It marks a rare instance of a Nigerian leader taking responsibility for their actions and acknowledging the harm caused by their decisions. While the confession has been welcomed by many, it has also been criticized by some who argue that it is too little, too late. Nevertheless, the confession remains an important step towards healing the wounds of the past and promoting national reconciliation.

References:

Adebayo, A. (2002). The June 12 crisis: A study of the annulment of the 1993 presidential election in Nigeria. Lagos: Stellan Press.

Agbaje, A. (2004). The Nigerian state and the June 12 crisis. Ibadan: Spectrum Books.

Babangida, I. B. (2025). A Journey in Service. Abuja: Self-published.

Campbell, J. (2000). Nigeria: Dancing on the Brink. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield.

Ogundiya, I. S. (2010). The June 12 election and the Nigerian crisis. Ibadan: University Press.

Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, a Nigerian former female Presidential Candidate is a Professor of Applied Linguistics, a Political Analyst and a Public Commentator.