June 12: Why I Dumped MKO Abiola For Abacha – Kingibe

The running mate to MKO Abiola in the 1993 presidential election, Babagana Kingibe, has revealed that his desire to rebuild Nigeria made him join the administration of the Late General Sani Abacha.

Naija News reports that Kingibe served as a three-time minister under the Abacha military government.

Speaking to newsmen on Sunday in Maiduguri, Borno State, he disclosed that he had to give up his personal interest for the good of the nation.

“When we think of the collective good there are times when we have to sacrifice personal interests and join hands in rebuilding society and bringing peace and harmony to our people,” Kingibe said.

“I know we won the elections on June 12, 1993, I know that injustice was done when those elections were annulled but there is always one guiding principle in my public life which is that the national interest supersedes any other consideration and all my actions have been informed by this consciousness of what is best in the national interest.

“I don’t think the celebration on the actual 12th of June 1993 was any greater than the celebration of the first democracy day on June 12; And for that I have to thank the Governor who gave the leadership, thank the people of Borno not only for celebrating June 12 as democracy day per se, but I know that they also had in mind that one of their own, their own son was also a critical player, I appreciate the confidence and love.”