The family of late military ruler General Sani Abacha has strongly refuted claims by his predecessor, General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), that Abacha was responsible for annulling the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election.
In a blistering response to Babangida’s newly released memoir, A Journey in Service, Abacha’s son, Mohammed Abacha, dismissed the claim as a deliberate distortion of history.
According to Mohammed, Babangida, as the Head of State at the time, wielded absolute power and must take full responsibility for the decision to nullify what was widely considered Nigeria’s freest and fairest election, won by Chief Moshood Abiola.
“Rewriting History for Personal Gain”
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Mohammed Abacha criticized Babangida for allegedly trying to shift blame decades after the controversial annulment.
“It is important to state unequivocally that General Sani Abacha was neither the Head of State nor the Commander-in-Chief at the time the June 12 election was annulled,” the statement read.
“The decision to annul the election was made under the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, who held absolute executive powers. Any attempt to shift this blame onto General Sani Abacha is a deliberate distortion of historical facts.”
The younger Abacha further warned Nigerians to beware of “revisionist narratives” that attempt to manipulate public perception.
“Abacha Saved Babangida’s Life”
In an unexpected twist, the Abacha family revealed that their late patriarch had, at one point, personally ensured Babangida’s safety when his life was under threat.
“We also find it necessary to state that when General Babangida’s life was in danger, it was General Abacha who came to his rescue, ensuring his safety,” Mohammed stated.
The family expressed gratitude to Nigerians who have spoken out in defense of Abacha, arguing that history should be judged with fairness and objectivity.
They also took a jab at Babangida’s memoir, stating, “We regret that A Journey in Service missed the opportunity to make history as a truthful and objective account of past events.”
The statement concluded with a sharp remark aimed at Babangida’s credibility:
“Honesty, sincerity, and integrity are virtues not commonly associated with the author.”
The response has reignited debates about the controversial June 12 annulment, with Nigerians once again questioning who truly bears the blame for the nation’s most infamous political decision.
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