By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Human Rigjts Crusader and federal lawmaker that represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th senate, Senator Shehu Sani has stirred significant interest by hinting at potentially explosive new books that may shed fresh light on the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Shehu Sani pointed to works by influential figures, including Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, Alhaji Sule Lamido, and Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, promising that their accounts could “scatter the table,” likely referring to a disruption of the established narrative around the events leading to the annulment.
The Kaduna-born politician stated this against the backdrop of the pandemonium that have trailed the account by IBB on the circumstances surrounding the annulment of June 12 election that was won by M.K.O Abiola on his X account on Sunday.
Recall that the June 12 election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, was annulled by then-military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB). The decision to invalidate the results sparked widespread protests and remains a deeply contentious issue in Nigerian politics. While Babangida’s account of the annulment is the most widely known, Sani’s tweet suggests that these new books could offer a different perspective from insiders who were closely involved at the time.
According to Sani, Umar, Lamido, and Gwadabe are poised to offer groundbreaking insights into the behind-the-scenes decisions and the power dynamics that led to the controversial cancellation. All three men held prominent military or political positions during the period surrounding the election and would be well-positioned to provide new revelations.
Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, a former military officer and one of the most vocal critics of the annulment, is known for his sharp criticism of Babangida’s regime. His book is expected to provide a unique perspective on the decision-making processes within the military hierarchy. Similarly, Alhaji Sule Lamido, a former foreign minister and a key political figure, is anticipated to provide an insider’s view of the political climate and the interplay between military and civilian leaders during the critical moments leading up to June 12.
Col. Lawan Gwadabe, another influential military figure, is also expected to weigh in on the controversy. His account could offer a new angle on the role of the military in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape at the time, particularly regarding the decisions made by Babangida’s government.
However, Sani’s tweet also alludes to several powerful individuals who may never speak out about the annulment. He specifically mentions General Aliyu Gusau, Samaila Gwarzo, and Nuhu, implying that these figures possess crucial knowledge about the events but are unlikely to share it publicly. Gusau, a former national security adviser, and Gwarzo, a prominent military intelligence officer, were both deeply embedded in the security apparatus of the time, while Nuhu is likely a reference to another key military figure who holds critical knowledge of the political machinations that led to the annulment.
The upcoming books, as Sani suggests, could potentially offer the most detailed and comprehensive accounts of the June 12 saga yet, challenging existing narratives and providing new clarity on one of the most pivotal moments in Nigeria’s post-independence history. Whether or not these books will “scatter the table” or reinforce the long-standing story remains to be seen, but they are sure to generate significant debate and possibly even uncover new truths that could reshape our understanding of June 12.
As the public eagerly awaits these revelations, the question remains: will these insiders finally break their silence, or will they continue to hold the secrets of June 12, leaving the full story forever untold?
