President Bola Tinubu has praised Ibrahim Babangida, retired army general and former military president, for acknowledging MKO Abiola’s victory at the June 12, 1993, election.

 

Tinubu spoke in Abuja on Thursday at Babangida’s autobiography launch and fundraising for his presidential library.

 

In his memoir, Babangida said he was in Katsina when the annulment of the election, won by MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was announced by the press secretary of his second-in-command without his knowledge or permission.

 

The announcement sparked widespread protests and unrest in the country.

 

Babangida said he later discovered that the forces against the June 12 election were led by Sani Abacha, his chief of defence staff (CDS), who later became military head of state.

 

While delivering his speech at the event, Babangida described the annulment of the election as an “accident of history” that is “most regrettable.”

 

The former military president said he accepted the full responsibility of the actions under his watch.

 

Tinubu said the former leader’s admission about Abiola’s victory would help to set the records properly.

 

“I am glad about the revelation of June 12. My General, we will not forget to pray for you. I listened to you carefully. I am not here to read a speech. I am here to pay homage,” the president said.

 

“Let me say thank you for everything, for who you are, what you are, and how you have contributed to the history of this great country.

 

Tinubu said the former head of state set an example for good governance and credited him for inspiring his political journey.

 

“Without you, people like me wouldn’t be in politics,” the president said.

 

“Your progressive revolution encouraged young, brilliant people to participate in politics. We were with you in Dodan Barracks, and you inspired some of us.

 

“All I can promise you as a president is to strive to do the best, put the best foot forward, and take decisions no matter how difficult they are; they are in the interest of the country. You have done so; you have laid the example. Thank you very much.”

 

Babangida led Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.