A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former senator representing Ondo South, Nicholas Tofowomo, has called on former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), to offer a deep and sincere apology to Nigerians over the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Okitipupa, Ondo State, Tofowomo insisted that Babangida’s recent admission that late business mogul, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, won the election was not enough.
He stressed that an unreserved public apology was necessary to address the pain and national setback caused by the annulment.
Babangida had made the admission during the launch of his book, A Journey in Service, on Thursday in Abuja, where he also cited certain conditions that led to the controversial decision.
However, Tofowomo argued that simply acknowledging the annulment in his memoir was insufficient, given the widespread agony, financial losses, and political disruption it caused.
“The annulment was not only a sin against humanity but against all Nigerians.
“Babangida must not use this revelation to raise funds for a presidential library. He needs to offer a deep and sincere apology to Nigerians for the pain caused.
“Until he tenders an unreserved apology, the foundation of that library remains tainted. Anyone seeking to build a national library must have clean hands.”Tofowomo stated.
The former senator lamented that many lives were lost, while countless Nigerians suffered due to the political turmoil that followed the annulment.
He asserted that Nigeria might have been in a better state today if Abiola had been allowed to govern.
Tofowomo, a former Commissioner for Transportation in Ondo State, also noted that Babangida’s wife, Mariam, was a family friend of his mother, making the former leader close to his family.
However, he maintained that personal ties would not deter him from speaking on behalf of Nigerians who deserve justice and closure.
He further called on the Federal Government to set up a committee to assess the full impact of the annulment and recommend compensation for all affected parties, including senators-elect who were never sworn in due to the political crisis.
“Until these issues are addressed, it is not yet uhuru for Babangida, and the pain inflicted on Nigerians over the annulment will not be forgotten,” he added.
