IBB Was Never Sincere! He Had No Intention Of Handing Over” – Sowore Exposes

Former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has dismissed former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s (IBB) claims regarding the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

In his autobiography, A Journey in Service, Babangida asserted that the annulment was carried out by former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, without his approval. While acknowledging that Moshood Abiola won the election, IBB said he took responsibility since it happened under his administration.

However, speaking on Nigeria Info FM on Friday, Sowore rejected Babangida’s narrative, labeling it as false. He argued that IBB never intended to relinquish power but was instead maneuvering to become a civilian president.

“IBB has never told the truth in his life, and I’m not surprised he’s still engaging in falsehood. There’s a Yoruba saying that when a criminal wants to lie, he claims his witness is dead—exactly what IBB is doing by blaming Abacha,” Sowore stated.

He further claimed that IBB repeatedly postponed Nigeria’s transition to democracy, delaying the formation of the legislative arm and deceiving the nation to extend his rule. According to him, Babangida’s political maneuvers earned him the nickname Maradona, and even IBB himself admitted to committing acts that earned him the label evil genius.

Sowore called for full recognition of Abiola as President and urged the prosecution of those responsible for the June 12 annulment. He also lamented the lack of justice for the late investigative journalist, Dele Giwa, who was assassinated via a letter bomb.

“If they admit that Abiola won, then he should be recognized as President. But beyond that, those responsible for these crimes must be brought to justice,” Sowore insisted.