Nigeria’s former military ruler, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, has finally expressed deep regret for annulling the results of the 1993 presidential election, a move that plunged the country into turmoil. This admission comes 32 years after the infamous event, which was meant to mark the end of military rule in Nigeria. Instead, the cancellation of the election results led to widespread protests, arrests, and even deaths.

Babangida’s regret was expressed during the launch of his autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” in Abuja, where he acknowledged that Moshood Abiola, the widely recognized winner of the election, was indeed the rightful victor. Abiola’s wife was assassinated, and he himself died in 1998 while in detention.

Nigeria’s current President, Bola Tinubu, commended Babangida for showing courage in admitting his past mistakes. However, many Nigerians are still seeking answers about Babangida’s policies during his eight-year rule, which was marked by controversy and repression.

The 1993 election annulment remains a painful chapter in Nigeria’s history, and Babangida’s admission has reopened old wounds. While some have welcomed his expression of regret, others argue that it’s too little, too late. As one commentator noted, “It takes tons of guts to make public confession of having erred and atone for same”