..Abdulslami: Soothsayer told us IBB would be President
… IBB restored my rank, did a lot for Nigeria – Gowon
….He’s architect of private sector – Dangote
Nigeria’s former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), launched the country’s second presidential library—the IBB Presidential Library—on Thursday in Abuja during the public presentation of his memoir, ‘A Journey in Service’, raising N17.5 billion.
The event, held at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton, not only unveiled Babangida’s much-anticipated autobiography but also served as a significant fundraising initiative for the library project, collecting an estimated N11.5 billion from some of Nigeria’s most prominent business and political figures.
Billionaire industrialist and philanthropist Abdul Samad Rabiu led the list of donors, who contributed N5 billion—the most significant single commitment announced at the event. He was followed by General TY Danjuma (rtd), who pledged N3 billion. Both pledges are to be redeemed immediately, while Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, donated N2 billion to be redeemed this year, with a further commitment to contribute N2 billion annually over the next three years, bringing his total to N8 billion. Billionaire businessman Prince Arthur Eze also supported the project with N500 million.
In his remarks, General Babangida, visibly moved by the generosity of the donors, singled out Abdul Samad Rabiu for special praise and acknowledged his steadfast support from the project’s inception.
Referring to him as his son, General Babangida noted that Abdul Samad had been an early supporter of the project and that his commitment and consistency had brought this vision closer to fruition.
The IBB Presidential Library is designed as a national institution that will serve as a repository for Nigeria’s arts, political, and military history. It aims to preserve the evolution of leadership and governance in the country for future generations, particularly during General Babangida’s tenure. This follows the establishment of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, the first of its kind in Nigeria.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo chaired the event, with former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo delivering a keynote address. The afternoon brought together some of Africa’s most notable statesmen.
The attendees were former Nigerian leaders General Yakubu Gowon, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (accompanied by his wife), former President Goodluck Jonathan, and former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a compelling speech, emphasising the importance of documenting Nigeria’s leadership journey and IBB’s impact on him and the nation’s history.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo provided a detailed review of Babangida’s book, which offers rare insights into the former leader’s time in power, including the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.
Senior aides represented former President Muhammadu Buhari and General TY Danjuma.
Key Pledges from the Night:
– Abdul Samad Rabiu – N5 billion
– General TY Danjuma – N3 billion
– Aliko Dangote – N2 billion to be redeemed in 2025 (with an additional N2 billion pledged annually for three years, totalling N8 billion)
– Prince Arthur Eze – N500 million
– Senate President Godswill Akpabio – N50 million
– Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau – N20 million
– Mustapha Chike Obi and Fidelity Bank – N100 million and N50 million respectively
While the evening showcased philanthropy at its finest, Abdul Samad Rabiu’s leading contribution stood out—not only for its size but for the consistency of his support over time.
The industrialist, known for his low-profile yet transformative philanthropy, has significantly impacted Nigeria’s development landscape. Through his Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), he has committed over $300 million to critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and social development across the continent.
Reflecting on his donation, Rabiu stated: “Leadership is not only about the present; it is about the legacy we build and the history we preserve. Supporting this library invests in Nigeria’s history and future generations.”
As the fundraising concluded, it was evident that beyond the billions pledged, the evening had solidified Abdul Samad Rabiu’s role not merely as a donor but as a custodian of Nigeria’s history—a quiet force driving the preservation of the nation’s leadership heritage.
Thirty-two years after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has shared his perspective in his book.
While he acknowledged that Moshood Abiola (MKO) won the election, Babangida insisted that the annulment was in the national interest.
IBB served as the military president during that election, which is widely believed to have been won by Moshood Abiola. The election was annulled without the announcement of a winner.
However, 32 years after the election, Babangida maintained that he acted to protect the country’s interests.
IBB stated this in Abuja on Thursday during the launch of his autobiography, *A Journey in Service*.
“As the leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions I take. June 12 occurred under my watch. Mistakes, oversights, and missteps can happen in quick succession. Still, I assert in my book that we acted in the extreme national interest for Nigeria’s survival,” the former military president told the audience.
Babangida expressed regret over the annulment of the election, which he said interrupted the return to democratic leadership. “Our nation’s march to democracy was interrupted, a fact I deeply regret. However, Nigeria survived, and democracy is still alive, a testament to our resilience and commitment to progress. This book forms part of my personal story intertwined with national history,” Babangida added.
The 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the most credible in Nigeria’s history, continues to dominate discussions.
Abiola was believed to have won the election, and calls for the then-Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate to be recognised as the rightful winner have persisted over the years. To honour Abiola, former President Muhammadu Buhari shifted Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12.
“Although I have stated previously that Abiola may not have won the election, upon further reflection and a closer examination of all available facts, particularly the detailed election results published as an appendix to this book, there is no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 elections,” Babangida wrote in his 420-page memoir.
Thursday’s event was attended by former presidents, governors—past and present—captains of industry, and other prominent figures from both within and outside Nigeria.
This startling revelation was contained in Babangida’s memoir, A Journey in Service: An Autobiography of Ibrahim Babangida, which was launched in Abuja on Thursday, with continental and national dignitaries in attendance.
The book reviewer, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, noted that the “evil genius” and “Maradona,” as Babangida was nicknamed, addressed whether Abiola won the June 12 election in his book.
“Although I have been on record stating after the election that Abiola may not have won, upon further reflection and a closer examination of all available facts, particularly the detailed election results which are published as an appendix to this book, there is no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 elections,” Babangida admitted in his book.
“Upon closer examination of the original collated figures from the 110 polling booths nationwide, it was evident that he satisfied the two main requirements for winning the presidential election—majority votes and geographical spread—having obtained 8,128,720 votes against Tofa’s 5,848,247 and securing the mandatory one-third of the votes cast in 28 states of the Federation, including Abuja.”
The return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999 followed a series of events, some bloody and undesirable. In 1993, Babangida, who took power in 1985 via a coup against General Muhammadu Buhari, backed the transition to civil rule with the 1993 presidential election. He subsequently annulled the poll and resigned amid protests and unrest.
Babangida then formed an interim government with businessman Ernest Sonekan as president and Sani Abacha as Chief of Defence Staff and Minister of Defence. Three months into his administration, on November 18, 1993, Abacha overthrew Sonekan in a palace coup.
The annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election between Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and his primary challenger Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC) sparked nationwide protests and unrest.
Abiola declared himself president based on the incontrovertible evidence of his electoral victory. He was not only denied his mandate but was subsequently imprisoned by the military regime of Sani Abacha, Babangida’s Chief of Defence Staff.
The political giant died under troubling and deeply suspicious circumstances in detention on July 7, 1998, at the age of 60. One of his wives, Kudirat, was brutally assassinated on June 4, 1996.
Following Abacha’s death, General Abdulsalami Abubakar assumed power and facilitated the transition to democratic rule, with former head of state Obasanjo winning the presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), marking the beginning of the democratic era known as the Fourth Republic.
Obasanjo served as military head of state from February 1976 to October 1979 before becoming the country’s democratically elected President from 1999 to 2007.
For decades, the credibility of the 1993 election has dominated political discussions, with the pro-democracy movement National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and the regional socio-political group Afenifere relentlessly demanding justice for the “injustice” done to the Abiolas and the Yoruba people of the South-West zone of Nigeria.
In a move to acknowledge this injustice, in 2018, then-President Muhammadu Buhari shifted Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 in honour of Abiola and to remind all Nigerians of one of the freest elections in the nation’s history. The day celebrates the ideals of democracy since the beginning of the Fourth Republic 25 years ago.
Many distinguished individuals attended the book launch, including former Presidents and Heads of State Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo.
President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were also present, alongside billionaire businesspersons, including Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Folorunsho Alakija.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari was represented at the book launch. Interestingly, IBB played a role in the coup that brought Buhari to power, yet Babangida orchestrated the coup that removed him.
I Challenged IBB – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday recalled how he once challenged former military President Ibrahim Babangida, telling him that he had failed to make history.
Speaking at the book launch in honour of Babangida, Tinubu recounted how he confronted the former military leader over the repeated postponements of their inauguration after winning the election.
He expressed concern about being imprisoned for confronting the then-head of state. “Without you, people like me wouldn’t be in politics. Your progressive revolution aimed at encouraging young, brilliant individuals to enter politics has inspired many of us,” Tinubu remarked.
Babangida shared insights into why he annulled the June 12 presidential election in his address.
Thirty-two years after the election, Babangida reiterated that he acted to protect the country’s interests. “I told you that you had an opportunity to make history that day and failed to seize it. Why not inaugurate us? Why did you keep calling us back and postponing the inauguration?”
“They thought I would end up in jail. You came out right at the end of that remark; you shook my hand. I can’t forget that,” Tinubu said to applause.
IBB Restored My Rank, Did a Lot for Nigeria – Gowon
Former Head of State Yakubu Gowon has expressed gratitude to ex-military president Ibrahim Babangida for his contributions to Nigeria’s development.
Gowon made this statement in Abuja on Thursday during the book launch by the former military president.
“I had a challenging time in government; I was even charged with treason,” Gowon stated during the event. “Later, President Shagari rescinded that order, and you (IBB) ultimately restored my rank and honour. You did a great deal for the country.”
In 1976, Olusegun Obasanjo, then the country’s military leader, dismissed Gowon from the Nigerian Army following the February 13, 1976 coup.
However, in 1981, President Shehu Shagari pardoned him, and six years later, Babangida restored Gowon’s military rank and benefits.
“My relationship with Ibrahim spans over 80 years. I want to thank you again for your friendship and brotherhood. Not a moment goes by when we don’t recall our escapades and smile. May those smiles continue during our twilight years.”
Gowon was among the distinguished guests at the event in the nation’s capital. General Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former Head of State, praised IBB, particularly their friendship.
“My relationship with Ibrahim has endured for over 80 years,” the former head of state told the audience. “Ibrahim, thank you again for your friendship and brotherhood. Every moment we recall our adventures brings smiles to our faces. May these smiles continue during our twilight years.”
At the event, former President Goodluck Jonathan also commended Babangida for writing the book, believing it would contribute to the rich documentation of Nigeria’s history.
“So, if you contribute to the history documentation, it strengthens and makes it more relevant,” the ex-president stated. “Today, you’re assisting us,” the former Bayelsa governor added, addressing the gathering, which included past and present leaders.
Soothsayer Predicted IBB Would Be President – Abdulsalami
Former military Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar revealed how a soothsayer predicted the emergence of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) as Nigeria’s leader.
He recounted that the prediction was made in 1952, 33 years before IBB assumed the presidency.
Abubakar spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the launch of IBB’s memoir, A Journey in Service.
Reflecting on the prediction in front of the audience, Abdulsalami, a neighbour of IBB in Minna, reminisced about their childhood. “While we were growing up in the small town of Minna about 80 years ago, as far back as 1952, a soothsayer told us that IBB would become the head of state of this country.
“We never believed him. Then Captain Gowon, a young, capable officer, encouraged us to join the military, and when we enlisted, all we aspired to was to reach the rank of captain and retire.
“By God’s grace, we became generals, and eventually, both of us held the position of head of state. Not a moment goes by when we recall our adventures that don’t bring smiles to our faces,” he said.
IBB is the Architect of the Private Sector – Dangote
The President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, praised former Head of State General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, popularly known as IBB, for implementing policies that liberated the private sector in Nigeria during his regime.
Dangote made this statement on Thursday while unveiling the former Head of State’s autobiography, ‘A Journey in Service’, which also served as a fundraiser for the IBB Presidential Library.
Africa’s wealthiest man pledged N8 billion to the IBB Presidential Library, to be paid at N2 billion annually over the four years allocated for the project’s completion. He further promised that if the project extends beyond this timeframe, he would continue to donate N2 billion annually until it is completed.
Dangote, the largest employer of labour after the government, commended Babangida for his transformative policies that encouraged Nigerian investors to play key roles in the economy. He highlighted the abolition of import licences, which stimulated domestic industries. These reforms, among others, have led to Nigeria having more private-sector involvement than any other African country, contributing 85% of the country’s GDP, while the government contributes just 15%.
“Your Excellency, I express my sincere gratitude for all you have done for Nigeria. Many may not realise that you were the architect of the private sector in Nigeria. Anyone in the private sector who has achieved prominence today owes it to you, as you provided us with the necessary licences. In the past, we struggled to obtain licences through intermediaries, including Indians,” he said.
Dangote recalled how Babangida’s policies facilitated the growth of Nigerian businesses, enabling them to thrive. “Your Excellency, in 1986, you abolished import licence requirements, and it was because of that decision that we achieved extraordinary growth. I remember the day you granted almost 30 of us banking licences. You also instructed five Nigerians to pay N1 million each for oil blocs.
“Your Excellency, I could continue to list all the reforms you introduced that liberated the private sector, which is why Nigeria has more private sector involvement than any other African country. It is only in Nigeria where government contribution to GDP is a mere 15%, with the remainder being driven by the private sector,” he added, expressing hope that future Nigerian leaders will adopt similar policies for the betterment of the country. “I want to thank you once again, and I am confident that future leaders will continue to follow your example, working closely with the private sector.”
Regarding his contribution to the IBB Presidential Library project, Dangote stated, “Your Excellency, based on my observations, I believe this project will require at least four years to complete. I want to contribute N2 billion annually for the next four years, totalling N8 billion. Should the project extend beyond four years, I will continue contributing N2 billion annually.”
Other prominent Nigerians also pledged contributions to the library’s construction. Abdul Samad Rabiu, the chief launcher and Founder of BUA Group donated N5 billion, while Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, the co-chief launcher and Founder of the TY Danjuma Foundation, pledged N3 billion.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the event, remarked that by writing his memoir, Babangida had contributed to making history and documenting it. However, he cautioned the former military Head of State to expect varied reactions to the book, including positive, negative, and mixed responses.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan also praised Babangida for launching his memoir, stating that Nigeria’s history would be incomplete without the narrative of the former Head of State.
During the book review, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo quoted Babangida as stating that the late Moshood Abiola, who contested the 1993 presidential election on the platform of the Social Democratic Party, won the election. However, Babangida described the annulment of the election as the most difficult decision of his life.
“There was no doubt that MKO Abiola won the election,” he concluded.
