Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, has called on Nigerians to extend forgiveness to former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), for his decision to annul the 1993 presidential election, which was widely considered the most free and fair in Nigeria's history.
It will be recalled that during the launch of his autobiography last Thursday, Babangida publicly acknowledged for the first time that Moshood Abiola was the legitimate winner of the June 12, 1993 election.
The former military leader described the annulment as a regrettable and unfortunate turn in Nigeria’s history, admitting that it had severe consequences, including nationwide protests, political instability, and a crisis that shook the very foundation of the country’s democracy.
Reacting to Babangida’s admission, Ozekhome, who was directly affected by the aftermath of the annulment, stressed that the former leader’s willingness to publicly express regret was a critical step in fostering national reconciliation and healing old wounds.
He further pointed out that it required immense courage and humility for Babangida to take full responsibility for his actions, urging Nigerians to recognize this gesture and offer their forgiveness.
Speaking on the matter, Ozekhome said, “For years, IBB prevaricated on the annulment, insisting that he did it in the best national interest. However, on Thursday, February 21, 2025, during the public presentation of his memoir, ‘A Journey In Service,’ he openly expressed his regret in front of the nation. He stated, ‘I regret June 12. I accept full responsibility for the decisions taken, and June 12 happened under my watch. Mistakes and missteps happened in quick succession. That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my expression of regret.’”
Ozekhome continued, emphasizing the significance of Babangida’s statement: “For the first time, he openly acknowledged that Abiola won the elections fair and square, securing victory over his major opponent, Alhaji Bashir Tofa, without any dispute. This is a major historical revelation.”
He went on to commend Babangida for showing the bravery and humility to own up to his actions: “I salute Babangida for having the courage to acknowledge that the June 12 crisis unfolded entirely under his leadership as the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Ozekhome also highlighted the irony in Babangida’s past decisions: “His government, which organized what was widely recognized as the freest, fairest, and most credible election in Nigeria’s history, using the innovative Option A4 voting system, later took a baffling and regrettable step by annulling the same election. It was a decision that left the nation in turmoil.”
He further explained why Nigerians should consider forgiveness: “Now that he has come forward to admit his mistake and express his regret, I believe it is only fair to acknowledge this act of remorse. Nigerians should forgive him because, as the saying goes, ‘To err is human, and to forgive is divine’ (Eph 4:32). I personally have now forgiven him because I, too, was a victim of the June 12 crisis.”
Ozekhome concluded by emphasizing the significance of Babangida’s apology in Nigeria’s history: “It takes a man with strong courage, humility, and a deep sense of repentance to openly admit to past mistakes and offer a sincere public apology to the entire nation. His willingness to do so shows that he has undergone personal reflection and growth. This apology was meant to heal deep wounds and provide a balm to bruised and broken hearts.”