Son of former Nigerian military ruler, General Sani Abacha has defended his late father’s legacy, insisting that history would judge him favourably amid persistent criticism.
In a recent social media post, Sadiq Abacha described his father as a leader whose impact remains significant despite years of scrutiny.
Sadiq’s remarks came just days after the launch of former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s (IBB) highly anticipated memoir, which has ignited widespread debate, particularly regarding the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
In the book, Babangida admitted that the election was won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola but claimed he was unaware of the circumstances surrounding the annulment until after it had occurred while expressing shock at how the decision was executed.
He further expressed shock to find out Abacha was part of the plot. He wrote, “I remember saying: ‘These nefarious ‘inside’ forces opposed to the elections have outflanked me!’ I would later find out that the ‘forces’ led by General Sani Abacha annulled the elections. There and then, I knew I was caught between ‘the devil and the deep blue sea’!! From then on, the June 12 election took on a painful twist for which, as I will show later, I regrettably take responsibility.”
Babangida also detailed his concerns about Abacha’s role in the political crisis and his shifting loyalties.
He equally revealed his disappointment over Abacha’s resistance to the transition to civilian rule.
Babangida’s revelations in his memoir have reignited debates about Abacha’s role in Nigeria’s political history. His administration, which lasted from 1993 until his sudden death in 1998, remains one of the most controversial in the nation’s history.
