June 12: The complicity we must not forget, by Babafemi Ojudu

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The account recently given by Governor Sule Lamido regarding the events during and after the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election is a distortion of history and borders on outright mischief. We must not allow historical revisionism to take root, especially on an issue as significant as June 12. If Lamido, along with Tony Anenih and Abubakar Rimi, had stood firmly for the restoration of that democratic mandate, perhaps the tragedy that followed—the blatant subversion of the people’s will—might have been averted. Instead, their complicity gave tacit support to the military establishment, empowering the likes of Generals Babangida and Abacha to carry out what can only be described as political sabotage.

I vividly recall Abubakar Rimi, Lamido’s political mentor, dismissing allegations of abandoning MKO Abiola at a press conference by claiming that he “didn’t come into politics because of Abiola.” Such a statement revealed a staggering lack of commitment to democratic principles at a time when Nigeria stood at a critical crossroads. These individuals, whether by inaction or direct collaboration, lent legitimacy to a military junta that had no intention of honoring the democratic will expressed on June 12.

A major miscalculation by pro-democracy politicians, civil society actors, and even the media was their naive belief in General Sani Abacha’s false assurances. Abacha claimed he was merely stepping in temporarily to remove anti-Abiola elements within the military, and that power would subsequently be transferred to the rightful winner. Many, including General Diya, were drawn into this deception and even helped facilitate the transition under this false promise. Abacha went as far as offering politicians subordinate roles as deputy administrators under military governors to secure their support. Once he consolidated power, however, he reneged on every commitment, betraying both the democratic movement and the opportunistic politicians who had backed him.

It must be stated unequivocally: Sule Lamido, his allies in Kano, and others in the so-called progressive camp who failed to back the June 12 mandate, played a direct role in undermining democracy. They should not insult the collective intelligence and memory of Nigerians by attempting to whitewash their roles. June 12 is not just a date—it is a symbol of the Nigerian people’s struggle for justice, equity, and the sanctity of the ballot. Any attempt to revise its history is an affront to those who fought and paid dearly for that cause.