June 12: The Abachas Tackle IBB, Insist Late Head Of State Knew Nothing About Annulment

By Ayodele Oni

As controversy over the unceremonious and inexplicable annulment of results of June, 12, 1993 Presidential election, won by late MKO Abiola rages, the family of late Gen. Sani Abacha has exonerated the deceased. The blame, the family insists is solely on the former Military President, General. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, (IBB).

The family in a statement on Sunday signed by Mohammed Abacha in  reaction to claims made by IBB in his book, ‘A Journey in Service:, where he alleged that Abacha was responsible for the annulment of the election, stated that late Abacha knew nothing about the annulment.

Babangida, at the book presentation, admitted that the late Abiola actually won the election, a revelation which has attracted reactions from Nigerians.

The Abacha family stressed that for years, various actors have attempted to rewrite the history of that critical period in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, however, the facts remain unchanged.

Mohammed Abacha urged Nigerians to be wary of revisionist narratives that seek to manipulate public perception for personal or political reasons.

He added that the memory of their late father and leader must not be tarnished by baseless accusations meant to absolve those who were truly responsible.

The younger Abacha maintained that despite the unfortunate attempt to shift blame, his father remained a true and loyal friend to IBB up to the time of his death.

Mohammed Abacha stressed that his father was a man of unwavering commitment to his comrades, adding that at a time Babangida’s life was under threat, it was the late general who came to his rescue, ensuring his safety.

“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 decision to annul the election was made under the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, who, as the then Head of State, held absolute executive powers and was solely responsible for the actions of his government.”