By Odey Otunu
Former Nigerian military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida, is set to launch his autobiography, A Journey in Service, today, February 20, 2025, at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. The book launch is also expected to serve as a fundraising initiative for the IBB Presidential Library. However, the event has sparked renewed criticism of Babangida’s leadership, particularly from human rights activist and #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore.
A Gathering of Dignitaries Amidst Criticism
The high-profile event will be chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, with President Bola Tinubu as the special guest of honor. Other prominent figures scheduled to attend include former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, who will deliver the keynote address, and former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who will review the autobiography. Among the invited dignitaries are ex-presidents Muhammadu Buhari, Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Goodluck Jonathan.
Despite the grandeur of the occasion, it has drawn sharp criticism from Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC). Sowore has dismissed Babangida’s autobiography as a “book of falsehood,” accusing him of attempting to rewrite history by deflecting blame for some of the most controversial decisions of his regime.
Sowore’s Accusations: A Dictator’s Attempt to Rebrand?
Sowore alleges that Babangida’s book seeks to falsely attribute the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election to another military dictator, the late General Sani Abacha. The June 12 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s fairest, was won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola but was annulled under Babangida’s rule, leading to political unrest and instability.
“Today, former Nigerian dictator Ibrahim Babangida will launch his book, which is expected to falsely blame late General Sani Abacha, another wicked dictator, for the annulment of the June 12 elections,” Sowore wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “On doing so, he will be admitting they were free and fair.”
Sowore further accused Babangida of a history of political manipulation, human rights abuses, and corruption. He pointed to Babangida’s alleged involvement in the assassination of investigative journalist Dele Giwa via a parcel bomb in 1986, the execution of soldiers under the pretext of failed coup attempts, and the economic downturn caused by the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP).
Babangida’s Legacy: Reformist or Villain?
Babangida ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, a period marked by political and economic changes but also significant controversy. While some credit him with modernizing the military and infrastructure development, his tenure is more often remembered for repression, corruption, and democratic subversion.
One of the most controversial policies of his administration was the SAP, which was implemented under pressure from international financial institutions to restructure Nigeria’s struggling economy. While the policy aimed to liberalize the economy, it led to inflation, unemployment, and widespread public hardship.
His government’s handling of the transition to democracy remains a major point of contention. While Babangida initiated a political transition program, critics argue that it was a sham, as the military maintained control over the process. The annulment of the June 12 election ultimately led to his resignation in 1993, leaving Nigeria in a state of political turmoil.
Babangida has long been suspected of orchestrating Dele Giwa’s murder, as the journalist was investigating government corruption before his assassination. Despite repeated denials, no one has been held accountable for the killing.
A Battle Over History
As Babangida launches A Journey in Service, critics argue that the book is an attempt to whitewash his legacy. Sowore’s comments highlight the enduring tensions surrounding Babangida’s rule and Nigeria’s struggle with historical accountability.
The debate over Babangida’s legacy is unlikely to end with this book launch. While his supporters may celebrate his contributions, his critics remain steadfast in ensuring that the darker chapters of his rule are not forgotten. The question remains: will Babangida’s narrative succeed in reshaping his legacy, or will history continue to judge him as one of Nigeria’s most controversial leaders?