posted 23rd February 2025
IBB Blaming Abacha for the Annulment of June 12 is Cowardice - Nwakobia
Prof. Chris Nwakobia, a lawyer and public affairs analyst, has criticised former military president Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) for shifting blame onto the late Gen. Sani Abacha regarding the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Nwakobia described IBB’s remarks as an act of cowardice, stating that if Babangida had serious reservations about Abacha, he should have retired him from the Army while he had the chance.
According to Nwakobia, passing responsibility onto a deceased individual is a weak attempt at rehabilitating one’s public image. He argued that genuine leadership involves taking responsibility for past actions rather than shifting blame.
Furthermore, Nwakobia criticised the notion of allowing a former military head of state, who was never elected, to establish a presidential library. He viewed this as an endorsement of impunity, questioning the credibility of a leader who failed to uphold democratic principles now attempting to rewrite history.
The annulment of the June 12 election, widely believed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola, remains one of Nigeria’s most controversial political events. Over the years, IBB has offered various explanations for his decision, but Nwakobia and other critics believe that true accountability requires accepting responsibility rather than attributing blame to those who can no longer defend themselves.
This latest controversy adds to ongoing discussions about Nigeria’s history, governance, and the legacy of its past leaders. As the country continues to reflect on the implications of June 12, calls for transparency and historical accountability remain strong.
