Sule Lamido, the former governor of Jigawa State, has shed new light on a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political history, revealing that he directly confronted then-Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd), urging him to step down after the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. This election, widely believed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola, plunged Nigeria into a deep political crisis.
Lamido’s disclosure comes from an excerpt of his recently launched autobiography, “Being True to Myself,” which debuted on May 13th. In the book, Lamido, who served as the National Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) at the time, recounts the dramatic encounter. He describes how he courageously told Babangida, face-to-face, that he should resign in the wake of the annulment that ignited widespread condemnation and protests across the nation.
According to Lamido, Babangida’s response was sharp and defiant. The former military ruler reportedly retorted that no Nigerian would ever dare to tell him to his face that he should resign. This exchange highlights the intense political climate of the era and the high stakes involved in challenging the military regime. Lamido’s account offers a unique and personal perspective on the events leading up to Babangida’s eventual “stepping aside” and the subsequent political transitions that followed the annulment of the June 12 election. His memoir promises to provide further insights into his experiences during that turbulent period and his broader political journey.