Abacha Family Rejects Babangida’s Claims On June 12 Annulment.
The family of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, has dismissed claims by former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, that their late father played a significant role in the annulment of the 12 June 1993 presidential election.
In a statement issued yesterday, Abacha’s son, Mohammed, criticised Babangida’s recently published autobiography, *A Journey in Service*, stating that the former leader missed an opportunity to provide a truthful and objective account of past events.
Abacha Family Challenges Babangida’s Narrative
The family insisted that General Abacha was neither Head of State nor Commander-in-Chief when the election was annulled, arguing that the decision was made solely under Babangida’s administration. They maintained that, as the then Head of State, Babangida held absolute executive powers and bore full responsibility for his government’s actions.
Dismissing what they described as an attempt to rewrite history, the Abacha family stated:
“Honesty, sincerity, and integrity are virtues not commonly associated with General Babangida. The decision to annul the election was taken by his administration, and shifting the blame to General Abacha is a deliberate distortion of historical facts.”
The family urged Nigerians to be cautious of revisionist accounts aimed at manipulating public perception for personal or political gain.
Defending Abacha’s Legacy
Reaffirming Abacha’s loyalty to Babangida, the family highlighted his unwavering support for his former colleague, stating that Abacha remained a loyal friend up until his death. They further recalled that, during a period when Babangida’s life was under threat, it was Abacha who ensured his safety.
The statement also acknowledged the support of Nigerians who have defended General Abacha’s legacy, expressing appreciation for those who continue to uphold historical accuracy.
“As we reflect on Nigeria’s history, we acknowledge General Sani Abacha’s time in leadership and the role he played in the nation’s development. Like all past leaders, his contributions remain a part of our country’s history. We believe history is best judged with fairness and objectivity.”
With this latest development, the debate over the annulment of the 12 June 1993 election continues, as differing accounts of events from key figures add new dimensions to Nigeria’s historical discourse.
