Daily Justice

Abuja, Nigeria – Former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) launched his much-anticipated autobiography, A Journey in Service, on Thursday in Abuja, in an event that attracted Nigeria’s business and political elite. The public launch, hosted by the IBB Presidential Library Foundation, saw an outpouring of financial support, with donations totalling nearly ₦17 billion.

Leading the contributions was Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, who pledged ₦8 billion, spread over four years at ₦2 billion per year. He was followed by billionaire industrialist Abdulsamad Rabiu, who donated ₦5 billion, while other notable figures, including Folorunsho Alakija, made contributions but did not disclose the amounts publicly.

Beyond the financial highlights, Babangida’s book has stirred political discourse by addressing one of Nigeria’s most contentious historical events—the June 12, 1993 presidential election. The election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, saw MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the lead before it was annulled by Babangida’s military government.
In the book, Babangida reflects on the election and concedes that, despite his previous statements, he now firmly believes Abiola won the election. This revelation was emphasised by Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria’s immediate past Vice President, who reviewed the book at the launch. Osinbajo quoted Babangida as writing:
"Although I am on record to have stated after the election that Abiola may not have won, upon deeper reflection and a closer examination of all available facts, particularly the detailed election results, which are published as an appendix to this book, there was no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 elections.”
Babangida also admitted that, given another opportunity, he would have handled the events surrounding the election differently.

“A Journey in Service” is now available at major bookshops, including Rovingheights, where the paperback edition is priced at ₦40,000 and the hardback at ₦50,000.
In the book, Babangida also acknowledged that he was pleased former President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously honoured Abiola with the title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR)—Nigeria’s highest national honour.

The book launch not only celebrated Babangida’s legacy but also reopened discussions on a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.