MKO Abiola: Babangida’s Reason For Annulling June 12 Election Unthinkable – Afenifere

Former Military Head of State Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, IBB, has come under scrutiny for his reason for annulling the June 12 presidential election.

Jare Ajayi, a spokesman for the Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, said Babangida’s response was unacceptable and that he should “tell it to the marines.”

Speaking exclusively with report Ajayi said the former Head of State’s explanation was unthinkable.

Babangida had explained that he annulled the June 12 election to avert a coup and crisis in Nigeria.

The former Nigerian leader had insisted that Nigeria would have experienced an outbreak of crisis, if the election was not annulled.

June 12 election has been rated the freest and fairest election in Nigeria.

MKO Abiola had been declared the winner of the election before it was annulled. This prevented him from ruling Nigeria.

However, Ajayi faulted IBB’s explanation, stressing that he could have averted the coup.

According to Ajayi: “IBB’s explanation of the annulment is coming far too late. He said it was to prevent a coup. As at that time, he was the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria; if he suspected any officer was going to lead the coup, what stopped him from retiring those officers? And if there was a proven reason, the person could even be tried for treasonable felony.

“So, telling us now that it was to avert a coup is not acceptable. So because some people are likely to rebel against somebody, that is why you will not install him as a king even after he has been declared by the kingmakers? Just because one or two people are not happy, so you will not install him?

“We are saying that the reason being given by Babangida is unthinkable and just an excuse. He can tell that to the marine.”