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Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida: The General Who Annulled Nigeria’s Historic Election

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Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), born on August 17, 1941, is a retired Nigerian Army General and one of the most influential and controversial political figures in Nigeria’s history. A former military ruler, Babangida governed Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, leaving behind a legacy marked by ambitious reforms, bold economic policies, and one of the most contentious political decisions in the country’s history—the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

Rise Through the Military Ranks

Hailing from Minna, Niger State, Babangida joined the Nigerian Army in 1962. He was part of the first generation of officers trained in post-colonial Nigeria and quickly rose through the ranks. A skilled strategist, he played prominent roles in several coups that shaped Nigeria’s political trajectory, including the 1975 coup that removed General Yakubu Gowon and the 1976 counter-coup that installed General Olusegun Obasanjo.

By 1985, as Chief of Army Staff, Babangida orchestrated a bloodless coup that ousted then-Head of State, Major General Muhammadu Buhari. He justified the coup on grounds of curbing authoritarianism and restoring civil liberties.

Military Rule and Structural Adjustments

As Head of State, Babangida projected himself as a visionary reformer and adopted the title “President” instead of “Head of State,” reflecting his desire to give a civilian tone to military governance. His administration initiated significant reforms:

Economic Reforms: Under the guidance of international financial institutions, Babangida introduced the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) in 1986. The policy aimed to revitalize Nigeria’s ailing economy through deregulation, privatization, and currency devaluation. While SAP sought to stabilize the economy, it also led to widespread hardship due to inflation, job losses, and reduced social services.

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Infrastructure and Institutions: Babangida established key institutions such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). He also relocated Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.

Media and Press Freedom: He liberalized the media space, allowing for a boom in independent newspapers and radio stations, although his regime still cracked down on dissent when challenged.

The June 12, 1993 Election Crisis

Despite being a military ruler, Babangida promised a transition to civilian rule and began a lengthy and expensive political transition process, creating two government-funded political parties: the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC).

On June 12, 1993, Nigeria held what is still regarded as the freest and fairest presidential election in its history. The unofficial results showed Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola of the SDP leading with a wide margin across ethnic and religious lines.

However, on June 23, 1993, Babangida annulled the election, citing legal and security concerns. This decision sparked nationwide outrage, protests, and international condemnation. It is widely believed that elements within the military and political elite pressured Babangida into the annulment out of fear that Abiola’s presidency would disrupt entrenched interests.

Aftermath and Exit from Power

The annulment led to a deep political crisis and the eventual collapse of the transition program. Facing mounting pressure, Babangida “stepped aside” on August 26, 1993, handing over power to an Interim National Government led by Ernest Shonekan. The interim government was soon overthrown by General Sani Abacha in a palace coup, plunging Nigeria into another phase of dictatorship.

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Legacy and Controversy

IBB remains a polarizing figure in Nigerian history. His supporters regard him as a strategic leader who tried to modernize Nigeria’s economy and institutions. His critics view him as a cunning and manipulative ruler who prioritized self-preservation over national interest.

The annulment of the June 12 election remains the most defining moment of his regime and casts a long shadow over his legacy. In 2018, the Nigerian government under President Muhammadu Buhari officially recognized June 12 as Democracy Day, honoring Abiola and formally acknowledging the injustice of the annulled election.

In Retirement

Since leaving power, Babangida has largely stayed out of active politics, though he has occasionally granted interviews and issued statements on national issues. He resides in Minna, Niger State, where he remains a respected figure among certain political and military circles.

Ibrahim Babangida’s rule represents a complex chapter in Nigeria’s history—marked by reform, ambition, and controversy. While his government initiated lasting institutional frameworks, his decision to annul the June 12 election stands as a powerful cautionary tale about the dangers of authoritarian interference in democratic processes.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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