Peter Obi Reacts as IBB Admits MKO Abiola Won 1993 Election

The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has commended former Military President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) for publicly acknowledging that the late Chief MKO Abiola won the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.

IBB made the admission during the launch of his autobiography, A Journey in Service, on Thursday at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. Reflecting on the controversial annulment, Babangida expressed regret over the decision.

“That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret,” IBB stated. “As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch.”

Reacting to the revelation, Obi, who attended the event, praised Babangida’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy and his role in promoting entrepreneurship during his time in office.

In a post on his verified X account, Obi wrote, “IBB’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy and his strong support for entrepreneurship and private sector growth remain immeasurable. Under his leadership, Nigeria witnessed substantial growth, particularly in the financial sector. He played a key role in fostering a united and equitable Nigeria.”

Obi also highlighted key moments from the event, including a striking comment from the keynote speaker, who remarked, “Rien n’a changé”—French for “Nothing much has changed”—suggesting that Nigeria’s development has stagnated or worsened since Babangida’s era. He lamented that while countries like Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and Ghana have advanced on the Human Development Index since the early ’90s, Nigeria remains in the low HDI category.

The former Anambra State governor also drew attention to Ghana’s democratic progress, praising the country’s record of credible elections and peaceful transitions, in contrast to Nigeria’s history of disputed polls.

Obi described IBB’s acknowledgment of Abiola’s victory as a “step toward national healing,” expressing hope that other key figures in Nigeria’s political history would also recognize the true outcomes of past elections.

“I hope that one day, other key players in Nigeria’s democracy will find the courage to recognize the true winners of past elections, allowing our nation to tell its story with honesty and reflection,” Obi said.