’Unfortunately, Igbos have had to bear the brunt. That is not fair’
By Fatima Saka
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has asserted that the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election was a Nigerian coup and not an Igbo coup, as former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) recently suggested.
Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday, Kalu dismissed the long-standing notion that Igbos were responsible for the annulment, emphasizing that it was an action carried out by the military as a whole.
“I don’t need IBB’s revelation to know that Igbos were unjustly blamed for what happened. The coup was a Nigerian coup, executed by the military. Some people failed to do their job, and unfortunately, Igbos have had to bear the brunt. That is not fair.”
Kalu also criticized Babangida’s recently launched book, stating that it failed to reveal the full details of the annulment, particularly the role of Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the then-chairman of the National Electoral Commission.
“I’m waiting for the second edition of IBB’s book because the first one did not fully capture the realities of what happened, especially concerning Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who was unfairly called names after the annulment,” he said.
Despite his criticisms, Kalu reaffirmed his respect for Babangida.
“You all know that Babangida is my master, and I will be visiting him very soon to discuss this matter. Nigerians deserve to know the names of those truly responsible for stopping the election. Not just General Sani Abacha—there were others. I was there, so I know what happened.
“IBB should name them in the second edition of his book so Nigerians can understand the full picture. People think Babangida may have omitted or altered some facts, and the truth needs to be known.”
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Kalu also acknowledged that Babangida admitted that Moshood Abiola won the election, emphasizing that this should be officially recognized.
“There is no doubt that Abiola won. I believe his picture should be placed alongside those of past presidents. Even though he wasn’t sworn in, he deserves that honor.
“I appeal to President Bola Tinubu to officially recognize him posthumously and swear him in. That way, his family can receive the rights and recognition given to former presidents’ families. It would be a significant step toward healing the wounds of that period.”
