- A major highlight of the book is the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which Babangida admitted was won by MKO Abiola.
- The former leader disclosed that while he regretted the decision, the move was largely orchestrated by forces within his government, allegedly led by Abacha, without his full awareness.
Sadiq, the son of the late military ruler Sani Abacha, has commended his father after former military leader Ibrahim Babangida made claims about his father’s involvement in annulling the June 12 presidential election.
Responding to ongoing discussions about the book, ‘A Journey in Service,’ Babangida’s autobiography, released in Abuja on Thursday, Sadiq stated that those who consistently criticize his father’s legacy are driven by jealousy.
Within the 420-page memoir, Babangida addressed matters concerning the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was won by the late MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The former military leader, who presided over the annulled election, mentioned that he was in Katsina when the press secretary of his deputy publicly announced the cancellation without his approval.
He explained that he later realized that the opposition against the June 12 election was orchestrated by Abacha, his then chief of defence staff, who eventually took over as military ruler.
On Saturday, Sadiq shared a Facebook post, applauding his father’s legacy while expressing belief that history will ultimately portray him in a positive light.
“The man Abacha, you have always been the man they have envied with silent deceit. History shall remember you for being a better leader no matter how much they try to put you down. As a son, I’m most proud of you today. You indeed are the man they wish they were half off,” he wrote on Facebook.
Sadiq concluded his remarks with a cryptic Hausa saying, “duk wanda yayi jifa a kasuwa…” which means “Whoever utters insults at a public market knows who they are intended for.”
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