Dele Farotimi, a renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer, has launched a blistering attack on former military dictator General Ibrahim Babangida’s memoir, “A Journey in Service,” accusing the retired general of distorting history and presenting a self-serving narrative. Farotimi, who experienced the worst of Babangida’s rule firsthand, has described the autobiography as a “collection of lies, half-truths, urban legends, and obfuscations.”
Babangida, whose 1985-1993 reign as military ruler of Nigeria is remembered for its authoritarianism, controversial policies, and political instability, released the long-awaited memoir in February 2025. The book, which sheds light on his tenure and the events surrounding his decision to annul the 1993 presidential election, has sparked heated debate and fierce criticism.
Farotimi’s sharp reaction to the memoir comes after Babangida acknowledged in his book that Chief M.K.O. Abiola was the rightful winner of the 1993 election. Babangida’s decision to annul the election, which many believe was one of Nigeria’s freest and fairest, plunged the nation into political chaos and led to the imprisonment and eventual death of Abiola under controversial circumstances.
Although Farotimi expressed disappointment in Babangida’s remarks, he said he was not surprised by the general’s attempt to justify his actions. “I lived through his ruinous reign,” Farotimi stated in a tweet that quickly gained traction on social media. “I wasn’t a passive victim of his evil actions and inactions, I was a participant in the fight to be freed of him.”
In his direct response to a comment posted by a social media user, Farotimi added: “I am painfully aware of the extent of his evil capabilities, and I have not been disappointed by the mixed bag of lies, half-truths, urban legends, and obfuscations contained in the excerpts already in the public domain. No hagiographic allocutus can redeem the Evil Genius of Minna.”
Farotimi’s remarks have resonated with many Nigerians, particularly those who lived through the brutal consequences of Babangida’s leadership. His decision to annul the June 12, 1993 election, which had been hailed as a watershed moment for Nigerian democracy, remains one of the most contentious episodes in the country’s history. Critics argue that Babangida’s actions undermined the will of the people and prolonged military rule in Nigeria.
The announcement of the memoir came amid a resurgence of debate over Babangida’s legacy. Many Nigerians, including political analysts and human rights advocates, have long questioned the integrity of the general’s regime, which was marked by widespread corruption, political repression, and economic mismanagement.
One of the most controversial policies during Babangida’s administration was the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), which was intended to liberalize the economy and address Nigeria’s financial woes. However, SAP was met with public resistance and led to severe economic hardships for millions of Nigerians. The program’s austerity measures, which included drastic cuts in government spending and subsidies, sparked nationwide protests, with critics arguing that the policy disproportionately affected the poor and vulnerable.
In his memoir, Babangida attempts to provide an insider’s perspective on the adoption of SAP, claiming that it was necessary to modernize the economy. However, his justification of the program has been met with skepticism, with many arguing that the policy exacerbated poverty and inequality, rather than alleviating them.
Some have accused Babangida of using his memoir as a tool for self-exoneration. Farotimi is not alone in his condemnation. Prominent Nigerian human rights advocate and former Chairman of the Nigerian Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, has also labeled the book a “pack of lies.” Odinkalu accused Babangida of making unfounded allegations against deceased individuals, who cannot contest the claims. “His attempts to justify the annulment of the 1993 election, and the way he frames the events surrounding his military rule, are nothing short of an attempt to rewrite history,” Odinkalu said in an interview.
While Babangida has tried to position himself as a victim of circumstances, many Nigerians remain unconvinced by his narrative. The general’s memoir has sparked renewed discussions about his role in the country’s political and economic decline, particularly during his years in power. The annulment of the 1993 election is widely regarded as one of the most damaging actions in Nigeria’s post-independence history, setting the stage for years of political instability and military rule.
The 1993 election was seen as a turning point for Nigerian democracy, with Chief M.K.O. Abiola, a respected businessman and philanthropist, emerging as the clear winner. However, Babangida’s decision to annul the results led to widespread protests and violence, as well as the eventual imposition of military rule under General Sani Abacha.
Babangida has long defended the annulment, citing concerns over the election’s integrity and the potential for civil unrest. In his memoir, he attempts to provide context for his decision, arguing that it was necessary to protect the country from chaos and instability. However, many Nigerians view this explanation as insufficient and self-serving.
Despite the criticisms, Babangida remains a polarizing figure in Nigerian politics. While some continue to support his legacy, citing his role in the country’s development and the introduction of key reforms, others, like Farotimi, view his rule as one of the darkest chapters in Nigeria’s history.
Farotimi’s condemnation of Babangida’s memoir is just one example of the broader backlash against the former military leader. Many Nigerians are calling for a full reckoning with Babangida’s actions, arguing that the lack of accountability for his role in the annulment of the 1993 election and other controversial policies has hindered Nigeria’s democratic progress.
Babangida’s memoir has certainly reignited debates about his time in power, but whether it will lead to a broader reassessment of his legacy remains to be seen. For many Nigerians, the book is little more than a self-serving attempt to rewrite history and avoid responsibility for the damage done during his reign.
As Farotimi aptly put it, “No hagiographic allocutus can redeem the Evil Genius of Minna.” Babangida’s attempt at self-justification in “A Journey in Service” has, for many, only further cemented his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most controversial and damaging leaders.
