The Abacha family refutes claims that General Sani Abacha annulled the June 12, 1993 election, stating that former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) was solely responsible. Mohammed Abacha criticized Babangida’s book for distorting history, urging Nigerians to reject revisionist narratives that shift blame for Nigeria’s political crisis.
The family of late General Sani Abacha has refuted claims that the former military ruler was responsible for the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, instead pointing fingers at ex-Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB). In a statement released on Sunday, Mohammed Abacha, son of the late general, dismissed assertions made by Babangida in his book A Journey in Service, accusing the former leader of distorting historical facts.
According to the Abacha family, efforts have been made over the years to rewrite history and mislead Nigerians about the events leading to the controversial annulment of Nigeria’s freest and fairest election. Mohammed Abacha insisted that his father, though a senior military officer at the time, neither held executive power nor played a role in the decision. He urged Nigerians to remain critical of revisionist narratives aimed at shifting blame.
The statement further emphasized the strong relationship between Babangida and Abacha, highlighting that the latter remained loyal to IBB throughout his life. It recalled an instance where Abacha reportedly ensured Babangida’s safety when his life was under threat. Mohammed Abacha criticized Babangida’s book, arguing that it failed to provide an honest and objective account of history.
The June 12 election, widely believed to have been won by MKO Abiola, was annulled by Babangida’s administration, leading to political unrest and eventually paving the way for Abacha’s rise to power. The latest accusations from the Abacha family add another layer to the ongoing debate about responsibility for one of Nigeria’s most defining political crises.
