Babangida said this at the official launch of his memoir, ‘A Journey in Service,’ in Abuja today.
According to him, undoubtedly credible, free, and fair elections were held in June, on June 12, 1993, however, the tragic irony of history remains that the administration that devised a near-perfect electoral system and conducted those near-perfect elections could not complete the process.
He expressed that the accident of history is most regrettable, adding the nation is entitled to expect his impression of regret.
Babangida said he accepts full responsibility for all decisions taken under his watch as a leader of the military administration.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also repeated Babangida’s words while reviewing the book, saying the June 12 elections were the most challenging of his life.
Osinbajo quoting a section from the book said if he had to do it all over again, he would do it differently.
The book, which offers insights into key moments in the country’s history, also addresses other national controversies, including the 1976 coup attempt that led to the assassination of then-Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, and the 1986 letter bomb that killed investigative journalist, Dele Giwa.
Reflecting on his decision to annul the June 12 election, widely regarded as the most credible in the country’s history, Babangida admitted that he would handle the situation differently if given another chance.
The June 12 election, won by Moshood Abiola, is considered Nigeria’s freest and fairest election.
However, Babangida annulled the results, citing concerns over national security.
This sparked widespread protests and political unrest nationwide at the time.
The annulment eventually led to Babangida’s resignation and a prolonged struggle for democracy in Nigeria, culminating in the return to civilian rule in 1999.