The Abiola family has criticized Babangida's memoir for reopening painful memories of the annulled 1993 presidential election, questioning whether lessons have been learned. Major General Ishola Williams counters Babangida’s claims, alleging a plan to hand over power to Abacha. Femi Fani-Kayode defends Babangida’s reflections on the event.
The recent release of former Nigerian military president Ibrahim Babangida’s memoir, A Journey in Service, has sparked renewed controversy, particularly from the family of the late MKO Abiola, the winner of the 1993 annulled presidential election. Led by Kola Abiola, the family expressed its dismay, claiming that the memoir has resurfaced painful memories of the traumatic events surrounding the annulment of the election. Kola Abiola voiced his disbelief at how it took Babangida over 30 years to publicly acknowledge what the world already knew—that MKO Abiola had won the election.
The Abiola family also emphasized that the lessons of June 12 have not been learned, as the annulment continues to affect many families and Nigeria’s unity to this day. While the family has yet to release a comprehensive response, Kola highlighted the ongoing emotional toll the event has had on the nation, suggesting a more thorough reflection is needed.
Amid the controversy, former military leader Major General Ishola Williams (rtd) countered Babangida’s claims, accusing him of preparing General Sani Abacha to succeed him before the annulment. Williams, who was involved in the inner military circles at the time, asserted that Babangida’s actions were part of a plan to ensure Abacha’s rise to power.
Meanwhile, Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Aviation, defended Babangida’s account, arguing that the ex-president deserves credit for shedding light on the tumultuous events, acknowledging the role of pressures from Abacha, and providing a historically accurate narrative. Fani-Kayode urged those critical of Babangida’s story to present counter-evidence to support their claims. As the debate continues, many question whether Nigeria has truly learned from the painful history of June 12.
