In the tumultuous history of Nigeria, June 12 remains an indelible date marked by political events with profound consequences. At the heart of this major crisis were key players whose actions shaped the destiny of Africa’s largest democracy.
At the center of this political drama were two emblematic figures: Abiola and Babangida. But behind these protagonists stood power players whose maneuvers had a crucial impact on the course of events and the outcome which followed the cancellation of the June 12 election.
Kudirat Abiola, wife of Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate MKO Abiola, played a major role in her husband’s election campaign. Originally from Zaria, she was able to capture the hearts of voters in the North by speaking in the Hausa language during her campaign speeches. After the cancellation of the election and the incarceration of her husband, she took the lead in the fight for democracy and the release of Abiola, defying the abuses of the Abacha regime. Unfortunately, she paid for her commitment with her life, assassinated on June 4, 1996.
Alfred Rewane, a Nigerian businessman, financed the struggle for democracy, becoming the main donor to the National Movement for Democratic Coalition (NADECO). Sadly, he was assassinated in October 1995 by suspected agents of the Abacha regime.
Professor Humphrey Nwosu, Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), courageously resisted pressure to sabotage the 1993 election. Despite efforts to overturn the results, he stood his ground and announced the results, before the The election is ultimately canceled by Babangida.
Chief Francis Arthur Nzeribe, head of the Association for Better Nigeria (ABN), tried by all means to foil the June 12 election, supported by Babangida. His legal actions contributed to sowing chaos and fueled the climate of protest surrounding the election.
In this complex power game, Judge Dahiru Saleh’s controversial decision to suspend the announcement of the results had major repercussions on the course of events, paving the way for the annulment of the election and an unprecedented political crisis . His responsibility for these tragic events remains a subject of debate and controversy.
Finally, General Sani Abacha finally took advantage of this crisis by taking power after the departure of Babangida. His authoritarian rule marked a dark period in Nigeria’s history, ending hopes for democracy born from MKO Abiola’s electoral victory.
In short, behind the main protagonists of the June 12 crisis were hidden actors whose actions had lasting repercussions on the political landscape of Nigeria.. Their influence and maneuvers shaped the destiny of a nation in search of democracy and freedom, leaving deep scars in the country’s turbulent history.