Your Confession on June 12 Election Does Not Erase Injustice Suffered by My Family, Nigerians – Hafsat Abiola Replies IBB
In a pointed and heartfelt response to General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s (IBB) recent confession about the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, Hafsat Abiola-Costello, the daughter of the late Chief MKO Abiola, has stated that the former military ruler’s admission does not absolve the suffering, injustice, and pain experienced by her family, nor the Nigerian people, following the controversial annulment.
The announcement, which came after decades of silence, was made by Babangida during the launch of his autobiography, A Journey in Service, in Abuja on Thursday. At the event, attended by prominent political figures, including President Bola Tinubu, Babangida expressed regret over the annulment of the election, which remains one of the darkest chapters in Nigeria’s democratic history. In his address, Babangida acknowledged the upheaval and instability that followed the annulment of the June 12 election, which had been widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election at the time.
The election, which took place on June 12, 1993, was meant to serve as the culmination of a transition to civilian rule after more than a decade of military dictatorship. The candidate that emerged as the winner, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, a businessman and philanthropist, had won the election by a landslide. However, General Babangida’s regime took the unprecedented step of annulling the results, citing national security concerns. The move plunged the country into widespread protests, political instability, and civil unrest.
In the aftermath of the annulment, MKO Abiola was arrested and imprisoned, and his wife, Kudirat Abiola, was brutally assassinated during the struggle for democracy. For many Nigerians, the annulment marked a deep betrayal of their hopes for a democratic future. Despite his regretful admission, Hafsat Abiola-Costello, who has been at the forefront of advocating for her father’s legacy, made it clear that the pain and injustice suffered by her family and millions of Nigerians could not be undone by mere words.
In a statement released on Friday, Hafsat Abiola-Costello expressed both her gratitude for Babangida’s late admission and her frustration that the acknowledgment came too late to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who suffered due to the annulment.
“When anyone mentions June 12, my mind always goes to MKO and Kudi,” Hafsat said, referring to her late father and mother. She noted that her thoughts often turn to the sacrifice made by both her parents, whose unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s democratic struggle cost them dearly. MKO Abiola, as the presidential candidate, was the face of the Hope ‘93 campaign—a symbol of the people’s aspirations for a better future. Kudirat Abiola, on the other hand, was an outspoken advocate for democracy, using her platform to challenge military rule and demand her husband’s release.
However, Hafsat made it clear that the significance of June 12 transcended her family’s experience, as it represented the collective desire for a better Nigeria. “June 12 was about more than one man,” she stated. “It was about the promise of Nigeria that would deliver for Nigerians. The vote that Nigerians expressed that day was a vote for a better future and for unity.” For her, June 12 was a day of hope—a moment when Nigerians collectively spoke out against years of authoritarian rule, with the belief that their vote would lead to a more prosperous and united country.
While acknowledging the symbolic importance of Babangida’s admission that MKO Abiola won the election, Hafsat emphasized that this did not change the profound injustice that her family, and by extension, the Nigerian people, endured. She added, “I’m glad that General IBB’s admission that MKO won the election can now lay the matter to rest. But it is sad that such a galvanizing statement as the breakthrough vote for MKO should have been truncated by an unjust annulment.”
For Hafsat, the fight for justice remains far from over. While she appreciated that Babangida’s confession has finally put to rest the matter of who won the June 12 election, she noted that the damage caused by the annulment and the subsequent political instability was immeasurable.
The annulment, Hafsat stated, was not just an affront to her family but to the entire nation. “June 12 is more than a family struggle—it represents the aspirations of the Nigerian people,” she said. The day the election was annulled, Nigeria’s hopes for a peaceful transition to democracy were crushed. The implications of the decision were felt deeply within the Abiola family, as MKO Abiola was not only robbed of his electoral victory but also wrongfully imprisoned for many years. Kudirat Abiola, his wife, was tragically assassinated in 1996, an act many believe was orchestrated by the military regime to silence the voices of pro-democracy activists.
“I will be forever grateful to both MKO and Kudi for not allowing their fears for their personal safety to stand in the way of the people’s desire for a better Nigeria,” Hafsat added. Her parents’ enduring commitment to the cause of democracy, despite the mounting personal risks, has become the enduring legacy of June 12. MKO Abiola’s determination to reclaim his mandate was a testament to his belief in the power of democracy and the rule of law, while Kudirat Abiola’s advocacy for democratic change continues to inspire generations of Nigerians.
Babangida’s confession, while significant, has been met with mixed reactions from the Nigerian public. Many, including human rights advocates and pro-democracy groups, have pointed out that the former military leader’s apology comes too late to undo the lasting impact of his decisions. The annulment of the June 12 election, the continued incarceration of MKO Abiola, and the assassination of Kudirat Abiola represent a period of deep national trauma. Babangida’s regret, while welcome, does not absolve him of the profound harm that his regime caused to both his opponents and the nation as a whole.
Hafsat’s statement underscores the broader sense of injustice felt by many Nigerians who see Babangida’s admission as insufficient. “Words alone cannot bring back what was lost or heal the wounds of the past,” she remarked. “The pain and suffering endured by my family, and by millions of Nigerians who yearned for democracy, cannot be erased by an admission of wrongdoing decades after the fact.”
For Hafsat, the annulment of June 12 did not merely mark the loss of a political victory—it was a tragedy that extended well beyond the confines of her family. It represents a nation’s stolen opportunity for progress, an opportunity that many believe was deliberately denied by those in power at the time.
Hafsat Abiola-Costello’s powerful response to General Babangida’s apology highlights a crucial point: the need for justice and accountability remains central to Nigeria’s democratic journey. While the acknowledgment of the truth is an important first step, it must be accompanied by actions that address the wrongs of the past and ensure that such injustices are never repeated.
For Nigeria to heal from the trauma of the past, it must confront its history head-on. This includes holding accountable those responsible for the subversion of democracy, the suffering of countless Nigerians, and the loss of innocent lives. The justice system, civil society, and the government must work together to ensure that the victims of June 12 and the democratic struggle are not forgotten.
In her statement, Hafsat Abiola-Costello affirmed that, despite the painful history, her family remains committed to the ideals of democracy, justice, and a united Nigeria. “Our commitment to a better Nigeria is unshaken,” she said. “MKO and Kudi gave their lives for this cause, and it is up to all of us to ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain.”
Despite the pain of the past, June 12 has become a symbol of hope for many Nigerians. It is a day that represents the collective will of the people, a day when the nation united in the desire for a better future. As Hafsat Abiola-Costello rightly pointed out, the true significance of June 12 goes beyond the victory of one man—it is a representation of the promise of democracy, unity, and a brighter future for Nigeria.
While General Babangida’s confession may provide some measure of closure, it is clear that the struggle for justice is ongoing. Nigeria must continue to reckon with its past, not only to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy but also to build a future that upholds the values of freedom, equality, and justice for all.
For Hafsat Abiola and countless Nigerians who continue to demand accountability, the fight for justice will not end with words—it will continue until the wrongs of the past are fully addressed, and the true spirit of democracy is realized in the lives of all Nigerians.
As Nigeria moves forward, the legacy of June 12 remains a central part of its national consciousness. The recent confession by General Babangida may be seen as a step toward healing, but for many, it is clear that true justice will require more than words—it will require meaningful action. The injustices faced by Hafsat Abiola, her family, and millions of Nigerians must be acknowledged, and steps must be taken to ensure that the sacrifices made during the struggle for democracy are never forgotten. The journey toward a truly democratic Nigeria is far from over, but the lessons of June 12 should guide the nation as it continues its quest for justice and national unity.
