Former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), has described the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election as one of the most difficult decisions of his military career.
The June 12 election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, was won by the late Chief MKO Abiola but was later annulled by the Babangida administration.
Babangida, who made the disclosure in a special programme on, Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio, as part of activities to mark his 85th birthday anniversary, said the move was not taken by him alone.
*”I must say that it was one of the toughest decisions taken during my military career, but it was made in what we believed was in the best interest of the nation,” he stated.
Responding to criticisms over inability to save his childhood friend, Gen. Mamman Jiya Vatsa from repercussions of the 1985 coup line up, he said there was nothing he could have done under the military regime to save late Mamman Vatsa from his alleged involvement in plots to overthrow his administration.
He said he initially found it difficult to believe the report linking Vatsa to the coup because of their long-standing friendship and shared history, including the fact that both of them came from same Niger state.
“We grew up together, attended the then Bida Middle School, now Government College, Bida. We graduated in the same year and joined the military together”, IBB who turned 85 today Monday 17th August, 2026 said and wondered why he could have chosen not to save Vatsa if it were possible for him to do so.
He said, “When I first heard the rumours that General Mamman Vatsa was involved in a plot to overthrow my administration, I could not believe it. We were childhood friends who grew up together, attended the same school and joined the military at the same time. How could I believe that he would plan a coup against me?”
Babangida also recalled when a senior military officer informed him of the allegations, how he immediately summoned both Mamman Vatsa and General Mohammed Gado Nasko to his office for clarifications.
“When they arrived, I asked them about the reports that they had been mentioned in a plot to topple my government. Both of them denied any involvement”, Babangida said, but however quick to add that a military commission of inquiry was subsequently established to investigate the allegations which turned out to indict Vatsa.
“While General Gado Nasko was cleared of any wrongdoing, the panel found evidence linking Mamman Vatsa to the coup plot, and this findings left me devastated”, IBB insisted.
“When investigations revealed General Vatsa’s involvement in the aborted coup, I was shocked, devastated and deeply disappointed. There was nothing I could do to exonerate him from consequences prescribed by military law. My hands were tied. That was how I lost my brother and friend, Mamman Vatsa”.
He also stated that no successful coup in Nigeria’s history without civilians involvement, alleging that wealthy civilians often played significant roles in sponsoring military takeovers.
On his days with late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, Babangida described MKO as not just a close personal friend but a man whose generous traits transcended religious, ethnic and regional boundaries.
He recalled how MKO Abiola’s philanthropic lifestyle touched the lives of countless Nigerians, cutting tribal, religious, political and regional devides.
He added: “Chief MKO Abiola was a man who used his God-given wealth to positively impact the lives of Nigerians irrespective of their background. He built friendships across Nigeria and was exceptionally generous”.
Speaking on the prevailing economic challenges citizens are grappling, including the security situation, IBB called on traditional and religious leaders to rise up to their expected responsibilities of placing national interests above all other considerations.
Reiterating the need for them to continue to work towards unity, peace and progress of citizens, Babangida encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful and continue to support the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
He expressed optimism that the ongoing efforts by the federal government would eventually yield positive results that will make the country better and more habitable.
