Top Stories

What IBB Told Us When We Wanted To Announce MKO Abiola As June 12 Winner – Nwosu

The military junta headed by Babangida annulled the 1993 election which was contested between Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC).

The former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu has narrated how former military dictator, Ibrahim Babangida told NEC officials that they would be on their own if they decided to continue and conclude the collation of results for the 1993 presidential election.

Advertisement

The military junta headed by Babangida annulled the 1993 election which was contested between Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC).

The election was held in Nigeria on 12 June 1993, the first since the 1983 military coup ended the country’s Second Republic.

Advertisement

Although not officially announced by the national electoral body as it was annulled by the military junta, the unofficial election results showed that Abiola of the SDP won the election.

Because Babangida cancelled the elections due to alleged electoral irregularities even though it was widely adjudged as the freest election in the country’s history, the winner of the election was never announced.

Advertisement

An unpopular interim civilian government and protests over the annulment ultimately resulted in the continuation of military rule in the nation, with Sani Abacha later hijacking power to become the military head of state through a bloodless coup.

Narrating the events that unfolded before and after the election was annulled to Sahara TV on the sidelines of the launch of his book, ‘Laying the Foundation for Nigeria’s Democracy: My Account of June 12’. Nwosu said Babangida and the military cabal disregarded the desire of the electoral empire to conclude and announce the election results.

Advertisement

He said, “When we got there (Aso Rock), Babangida said ‘NEC, what is your position on this election? I was the chairman of NEC, and I said give us two minutes so that it will not be Humphrey Nwosu’s decision so that it will be that of NEC.

“We went to one of the rooms… we agreed we didn’t have anything to do with politics of this country, they should allow us to conclude and announce the results. Whoever did not like the outcome should go to the tribunal. We are an institution; allow us to work. We came out with this report. We said, ‘Sir, allow us to conclude this election and announce the results.’ He said ‘Okay, you people are on your own.’”

Advertisement
citynews

Recent Posts

BBNaija’s Dorathy goes naughty on her birthday(Photos)

Dorathy Bachor has put her massive cleavage on display as she turns a year older.…

12 hours ago

I didn’t lose 2023 election, you stole it – Atiku to Tinubu

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar has insisted that the outcome of the 2023 presidential election…

12 hours ago

Breaking: Tinubu Directs Release Of Minors Arraigned For Hunger Protests

President Bola Tinubu on Monday, directed the immediate release of all the minors who were…

12 hours ago

Eniola Ajao reveals why she nearly poisoned herself

Eniola Ajao, a popular Yoruba actress and filmmaker has revealed how fake news on social…

14 hours ago

Agatha Amata releases new photos on her 55th birthday

Agatha Amata is celebrating her 55th birthday today Taking to X to celebrate her new age,…

15 hours ago

Legendary music producer, Quincy Jones d!es at 91

Legendary American music producer, Quincy Jones has died at the age of 91.    …

16 hours ago