The release of former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s (IBB) memoir, My Journey in Service, has reignited debates over Nigeria’s political history, particularly the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election and the complex relationship between Babangida and the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha. In response to the book’s claims, members of the Abacha family have dismissed Babangida’s version of events, defending their father’s legacy and questioning the credibility of the memoir.
Sadiq S. Abacha, son of the late military ruler, accused Babangida of attempting to tarnish his father’s image posthumously. In a social media post, he argued that Abacha had always been a target of envy and silent betrayal. “The man Abacha—you have always been the one they envied with silent deceit. History shall remember you for being a better leader, no matter how much they try to put you down. As a son, I am most proud of you today. You indeed are the man they wish they were half of,” he wrote, concluding with a Hausa proverb: Duk wanda yayi jifa a kasuwa, meaning, “Whoever throws a stone in the market…”
The memoir has been widely discussed for Babangida’s account of the annulled June 12 election, which he admitted was won by MKO Abiola. He claimed that, despite regretting the annulment, he was pressured by internal forces, allegedly led by Abacha, and that the decision was made without his full knowledge.
However, Raees Abacha, the grandson of the late military ruler, has further countered Babangida’s claims, insisting that Abacha had always been a loyal ally who even saved Babangida’s life during their time in the military. Reacting via his X handle, Raees expressed skepticism over the memoir’s contents, describing it as an act of treachery.
“If the lifespans of these two consequential figures were reversed, this treachery would never be discharged by General Abacha,” Raees wrote. “If we consider General Babangida’s Journey in Service (2025) as his self-written, self-describing Bible to be accepted as the truth and nothing but the truth, then any who believe it are only following its author toward damnation.” He further stated that Babangida’s biggest problem was not Abacha but his own mind and its creations, which earned him the title Evil Genius.
Abacha’s daughter, Gumsu, also joined in dismissing the book, taking to social media to call Babangida a “Weakling.” She reshared posts suggesting that IBB had painted Abacha as a villain simply because the late general was no longer alive to defend himself.
More Read
Abacha, who ruled Nigeria from 1993 until his death in 1998, remains a highly controversial figure. While his administration is credited with economic stability and national security measures, his tenure was also marred by allegations of corruption and human rights abuses.As discussions surrounding My Journey in Service continue, the memoir has not only revived old controversies but also intensified scrutiny of the military era, shedding light on the political intrigues, power struggles, and decisions that shaped Nigeria’s democratic transition. The book’s claims have drawn mixed reactions from historians, political analysts, and the public, further fueling the debate on the legacy of Nigeria’s past military rulers.
