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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Abdulsalami: Babangida Never Discussed June 12 Annulment with Me, Abiola Not Poisoned

From ThisDay · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Former military head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar stated that Ibrahim Babangida never discussed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election with him.
  • Abubakar also addressed rumors about Moshood Abiola's death, stating he was not poisoned.
  • The event also featured tributes from prominent Nigerian figures, including President Bola Tinubu, for Abubakar's 80th birthday and book launch.

Former military head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar has clarified his role and knowledge regarding the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. Abubakar asserted that former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida never consulted him about the decision to annul the election, which was won by Moshood Abiola.

Speaking at an event celebrating his 80th birthday and the launch of his book, Abubakar also addressed speculation surrounding the death of Abiola, the presumed winner of the election. He stated that Abiola was not poisoned, refuting persistent rumors that have circulated for years.

Babangida never discussed the annulment of June 12 with me.

— Abdulsalami AbubakarAddressing the historical context of the June 12, 1993 election annulment.

The book launch and birthday celebration drew significant attention, with numerous prominent Nigerian figures in attendance. President Bola Tinubu, former military heads of state Ibrahim Babangida and Yakubu Gowon, as well as former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, were among those who showered encomiums on Abubakar. President Tinubu directed the Federal Capital Territory minister to allocate land in honor of Abubakar.

Abiola was not poisoned.

— Abdulsalami AbubakarRefuting rumors about the cause of Moshood Abiola's death.
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Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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