President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday in Abuja, said former military President Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida showed unusual courage and patriotism by admitting that late M.K.O. Abiola won the June 12 election in 1993.
The President, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, ” A Journey in Service,” and the fundraising for the IBB Presidential Library Project, saluted the former leader’s contribution to the country’s history and development.
Babangida confirmed Abiola won 2023 election
General Babangida confirmed for the first time in 32 years that Chief Abiola had won the historic June 12 election based on collated results.
The annulment was a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, precipitating a political crisis and hastened his exit from power. President Tinubu said the former leader’s admission about Abiola’s victory will help to set the records properly. He said:
“I am glad about the revelation of June 12. My General, we will not forget to pray for you. I listened to you carefully. I am not here to read a speech. I am here to pay homage.
“Let me say thank you for everything, for who you are, what you are, and how you have contributed to the history of this great country.’
When did Babangida rule Nigeria?
Babangida served as Nigeria’s leader from August 1985 to August 1993. President Tinubu said he will continue to do his best for the country by making tough decisions to reposition the economy.
He called on Nigerians to refocus their time, energy, and resources on building the country that remains their home and be more mindful of changes in global migration laws that could impede their dreams of a better life.
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President Tinubu thanked Gen. Babangida for his foresight in ensuring Nigeria’s private sector’s growth. He said:
“Without you, people like me will not be in politics. I thank you for your progressive revolution. You said you wanted young, brilliant people in politics. We met you in Dodan Barracks. You inspired some of us. And when you look at the programme today, the names of bankers and many of us here today for this library project are all because they believe in the visionary Babangida. Thank you for what you are.”
See the full video of his statement here:
Tinubu reveals how Babangida inspired him
Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu had recalled occasions when former military head of state General Ibrahim Babangida inspired him to venture into politics.
The president recalled when Babangida summoned him and others that he wanted young Nigerians to join politics.
Tinubu further recalled when he challenged Babangida and thought he would end up in jail but the then-military leader gave him a handshake for being courageous.
