Abacha family labels IBB’s claims on June 12 annulment as ‘historical distortion’

The family of the late General Sani Abacha has strongly rejected claims made by former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, regarding Abacha’s alleged role in the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

In his autobiography, A Journey in Service, Babangida expressed regret over the annulment and attributed responsibility to military officers led by Abacha, who was then his Chief of Defence Staff. He described the annulment as an “accident of history” and claimed it occurred without his permission.

In response, Mohammed Abacha, speaking on behalf of his family, stated that Abacha was neither the Head of State nor the Commander-in-Chief at the time of the annulment.

The family accused Babangida of distorting historical facts and attempting to shift blame. They emphasized that Babangida, as the then Head of State, held absolute executive powers and was solely responsible for the decision to annul the election.

The Abacha family urged Nigerians to be cautious of “revisionist narratives” that manipulate public perception for political gain.

They criticized Babangida’s autobiography for failing to provide an honest account of events and expressed disappointment that it missed the opportunity to present a truthful history regarding this critical period in Nigeria’s democratic evolution