Former military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) has admitted that Moshood Abiola of Social Democratic Party (SDP) won the June 12 presidential election.
He said the election was annulled in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.
The former military general, however, expressed regret for cancelling the election.
Babangida expressed regret on Thursday in Abuja during the unveiling of his book titled, “A Journey in Service” and the launching of his presidential library.
He admitted that the June 12 Presidential election was the most credible, free and fair, saying it was unfortunate that the administration that decided a bear perfect electoral system could not complete the process.
He stated: “I have had to contend with these questions all the time. When will you tell your side of the story? Understandably, our period of service is somehow evoked and rightly so, many questions and stories among our public.
“This book, which chronicles my experiences, decisions and challenges during our national service, tries to answer some of these questions from my modest perspective.
“Undoubtedly credible, free and fair Elections were held on in June 12, 1993. However, the tragic irony of history remains that the administration that devised a near perfect electoral system and conducted those near perfect elections could not complete the process.
“That accident of history is most regrettable, the nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret.
“As the leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken
under my watch. And June 12 happened under my watch.
“Mistakes and oversights happened in quick succession. And I say in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.
“Our nation’s march to democracy was interrupted, a fact that I deeply regret, but Nigeria survived and democracy is still alive, a testament to resilience and commitment to progress.
“This book is part of my personal story of what encounter was national history. I did not travel alone. I undertake the challenging walk of leadership in the company of many patriots.”
