Former Nigerian military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), has come under renewed criticism following the release of his autobiography, A Journey in Service, particularly regarding his role in the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Speaking on Public Conscience, a radio program by the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development (PRIMORG) in Abuja, the organization’s Executive Director, Okhiria Agbonsuremi, challenged Babangida’s account, echoing the concerns of many Nigerians.
Agbonsuremi faulted Babangida for failing to acknowledge the late MKO Abiola as the rightful winner of the election. He argued that the book portrays the former leader as hesitant and lacking the decisiveness many had previously attributed to him.
“The book reveals that Babangida was not the strong leader people once believed him to be. Despite his position as a military president, he seemed unable to stand his ground and enforce his decisions,” Agbonsuremi said.
He also criticized Babangida for accepting responsibility for the annulment without offering a genuine apology for the turmoil and human rights violations that followed.
“The annulment of the June 12 election led to immense suffering and loss of lives. At the very least, Babangida should have started his book by acknowledging his role, apologizing, and expressing regret for his actions,” he added.
Agbonsuremi called on President Bola Tinubu to take bold steps toward reforming the country’s political system. He emphasized that Tinubu, with his background in the pro-democracy movement and affiliation with the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), is in a position to push for meaningful change.
“Tinubu embodies the legacy of June 12 and NADECO, but he is also deeply embedded in the current system. If he truly wants to bring about reform, he must distance himself from its corrupt elements. Leadership is Nigeria’s greatest challenge today, and Tinubu has the power to rally political stakeholders and declare, ‘It’s time to fix the system,’” Agbonsuremi stated.
He also highlighted the continued lack of accountability among Nigerian leaders, urging citizens to remain active in advocating for good governance through peaceful demonstrations and civic engagement.
Listeners who called into the radio program expressed disappointment in Babangida’s book, particularly its handling of the June 12 election annulment.
A caller named Gideon from Abuja shared his frustration: “The first credible election in Nigeria’s history was annulled, and an innocent man lost his life. Abiola never got the chance to govern. It’s disheartening. But have we learned from it? Even today, INEC operates with impunity.”
Another caller, Peter from Lugbe, Abuja, reflected on his personal experience: “IBB’s book is a disappointment. I was 13 in 1992, in JSS 2, and I remember celebrating Abiola’s victory. This is shameful.”
Moses from Wuse II, Abuja, added: “There is nothing special about the book. Babangida played a key role in Nigeria’s struggles. Many lives were lost under his rule. He had an opportunity to set things right, but he was too weak—even failing to secure the PDP presidential ticket when he tried to return to power.”
Oreke from Abuja accused Babangida of misrepresenting history: “IBB is not telling the truth. His book does not reflect what really happened. He owes Nigerians an apology.”
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, also criticized Babangida’s book launch, describing the former leader as the “Grand Commander of the Order of Cowardice.”
Other notable figures, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and members of the families of the late MKO Abiola and General Sani Abacha, have also condemned A Journey in Service.
