A Journey in Service

The process of writing the memoir is a product of the long history of efforts to record Babangida's involvement in the political history of Nigeria, particularly his rule from 1985 to 1993.^[5]

The memoir, which has a total of 420 pages, is divided into various sections that cover Babangida's life in Minna, Nigeria, his military career; and the incidents in his political life. His education at Gwari Native Authority Primary School and Government Secondary School Bida in which he became a School prefect of the school in his final year, and his military training at the Nigerian Military Training College and the India Military Academy (pp. 59-60).^[2]

The decision to produce the memoir was influenced in part by associates such as Chidi Amuta and Yemi Ogunbiyi, who encouraged him to document his experiences.^[6]

He remained a major figure after his departure from office and became associated with several controversial issues, including the Assassination of Dele Giwa, a Nigerian journalist,^[7][8][9] and the cancellation of the 1993 Nigerian presidential election, which is deemed to have been won by Moshood Abiola (pp. 390-391).^[6][10]

"That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my expression of regret,"

The memoir recounts his participation in the 1966 coups and the Nigerian Civil War, asserting that the January 15 coup was driven by ideological rather than ethnic motives (pp. 59–62) and that the subsequent counter-coup and Unification Decree No. 34 aggravated regional tensions. The book further examines the execution of his childhood friend, General Mamman Vatsa, and other coup plotters in 1986 (pp. 207–231).^[11] It details his deployment to the 1st Division under General Mohammed Shuwa during the Nigerian Civil War, his role in military operations within Biafran territory, and his involvement in the 1975 Nigerian coup d'état.^[11]

• Early life and education: Babangida details his upbringing, including the loss of his parents at a young age.^[12] Babangida's interest in the military began in school, influenced by his teacher Pa Onimole and career talks by officers such as Yakubu Gowon. He later joined the Nigerian Army, which shaped his political career. He changed his surname from Badamasi to Babangida to avoid confusion with the Yoruba name "Gbadamosi", a question often raised during official duties and his enlistment interview. Pa Onimole, who spent his career teaching in northern Nigeria, encouraged students to consider military service. In 1960, he invited Gowon to speak on the advantages of a military career, leaving a lasting impression. Years later, Gowon became Head of State and was eventually deposed in a coup in which Babangida participated.^[13]
• He talked about his role in major coups in Nigeria, including the 1975 Nigerian coup d'état, where Murtala Mohammed came to power, and the coup in 1983, which led to the overthrow of Shehu Shagari. In 1985, Babangida came to power as the military president in Nigeria after a coup against Muhammadu Buhari.
• Presidency and governance: During his tenure from 1985 to 1993, Babangida implemented several economic and political reforms. He introduced the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) in 1986.^[14] His administration also established institutions such as the Mass Mobilization for Self-Reliance, Social Justice, and Economic Recovery (MAMSER) to promote social and economic development. Infrastructure projects, including the completion of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, were also highlights of his regime.^[15]

• June 12 election and annulment: One of the most contentious episodes of Babangida's presidency was the annulment of the June 12, 1993,^[16] presidential election, widely regarded as free and fair, with Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola poised to win.^[17] In his memoir, Babangida reflects on this decision, acknowledging it as a challenging and painful moment in his leadership. He expresses regret over the annulment, recognizing its profound impact on Nigeria's democratic journey.^[1][18][19]

In his speech addressing the June 12 election and annulment in 1992, Babangida said:^[4]

"And then, on June 16, without my knowledge or prior approval, National Economic Council (Nigeria) Chairman, Professor Humphrey Nwosu, announced the suspension of the June 12 election results ‘until further notice’. I knew instantly that certain fifth columnists were at work and that there was a need for extra care! And even after that suspension of the announcements of results, ABN obtained another ‘strange’ court order from Justice Saleh’s court in Abuja, stopping the release of the results of the elections…. On the morning of June 23, I left Abuja for Katsina to commiserate with the Yar’Adua family over the death of their patriarch, Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua. The funeral had taken place, and as I got ready to leave, a report filtered to me that the June 12 elections had been annulled. …Admiral Aikhomu’s press secretary, Nduka Irabor, had read out a terse, poorly worded statement from a scrap of paper, which bore neither the presidential seal nor the official letterhead of the government, annulling the June 12 presidential elections. I was alarmed and horrified. Yes, during the stalemate that followed the termination of the results announcement, the possibility of annulment that could lead to fresh elections was loosely broached in passing. But annulment was only a component of a series of other options. But to suddenly have an announcement made without my authority was, to put it mildly, alarming. I remember saying: ‘These nefarious ‘inside’ forces opposed to the elections have outflanked me!’ I would later find out that the ‘forces’ led by General Sani Abacha annulled the elections. There and then, I knew I was caught between ‘the devil and the deep blue sea’!! From then on, the June 12 elections took on a painful twist for which, as I will show later, I regrettably take responsibility."

• Personal reflections: Apart from his life in politics, Babangida talks about his personal experiences, such as his marriage to Maryam Babangida.^[20][21] He recounts his recovery from war wounds, which he says was a defining moment leading to his marriage to Maryam . There is also an account of Maryam's impact as a former First Lady of Nigeria, with a focus on improving rural women's lives.^[22]

A Journey in Service was officially launched on February 20, 2025, at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.^[23][24][25] The event also served as a fundraiser for the IBB Presidential Library.^[26] Olusegun Obasanjo chaired the occasion, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the special guest of honor.^[27] The keynote address was delivered by Nana Akufo-Addo, and the book was reviewed by Yemi Osinbajo. Other notable attendees included former Nigerian leaders Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Goodluck Jonathan. The event was marked by discussions on Nigeria's political history and Babangida's role in it.^[28][29]

The book launch event included financial contributions from several Nigerian business figures, totaling nearly ₦17 billion.^[30] Aliko Dangote pledged ₦8 billion, distributed as ₦2 billion annually over four years, while Abdul Samad Rabiu contributed ₦5 billion. T.Y. Danjuma committed ₦3 billion, and Arthur Eze donated ₦500 million.^[31][32] These funds were intended to support the development of the IBB Presidential Library, which aims to serve as a center for preserving Nigeria's arts, political, and military history.^[33]

Critical Reception

Prof Yemi Osinbajo, in his review, highlighted the book as a significant contribution to understanding Nigeria's political history. He noted that it offers insights into the complexities of governance and the challenges faced during Babangida's tenure.^[2]

Conversely, other critics argue that the autobiography serves more as a self-justification than a candid reflection. Olufunmike Imoiko, writing for The Lagos Review, described the memoir as an attempt to sanitize Babangida's controversial role in Nigeria's history. She points out that while the book presents his version of events, it often sidesteps or downplays the more contentious aspects of his rule, such as the annulment of the June 12 election and the economic hardships resulting from SAP.^[4] Similarly, Festus Adedayo, in the Nigerian Tribune, critiqued the memoir for omitting certain harsh realities Nigerians faced during Babangida's regime. He suggests that while the book covers various events of his administration, it fails to fully acknowledge the negative impacts of certain policies and decisions.^[1]

The release of A Journey in Service generated debate, particularly regarding his depiction of the January 1966 coup. In the memoir, Babangida states that the coup was not orchestrated by the Igbo ethnic group, presenting a perspective that differs from some historical narratives.^[34] This claim prompted responses from various groups, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization.^[35]

In his book, Babangida claimed that the coup was not ethnically motivated. Stating that purpose of the coup was to secure the release of Obafemi Awolowo and make him a provisional executive leader. In addition, Babangida pointed out the role played by an Igbo officer, Major John Obienu, in crushing the coup. Babangida claimed that some senior Igbo officers were killed during the coup.^[36]

Regarding these claims by Babangida, the Ohanaeze organization demanded an apology and ₦10 trillion in compensation from the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu.^[37] The organization claimed that the coup and subsequent events led to the suffering of the Igbo population. The civil war and the deaths of an estimated three million lives, most of whom were civilians, are examples of the suffering caused by the coup. The organization also claimed that these events were related to the history of injustices suffered by the Igbo population in Nigeria.^[36][38][39] Similarly, the Njiko Igbo Forum, an affiliate of Ohanaeze, advocated for ₦100 trillion in reparations, highlighting the economic and social impact of historical narratives surrounding the coup.^[40][41]

Babangida’s account in the memoir also drew a response from human rights lawyer Femi Falana, who said he was considering taking legal action over the claims made in the book.^[42][43] Falana, who was arrested and detained in 1993 over his protests against the annulment of the election results, said that the comments by Babangida support his long-held view that the election was unjustly annulled. Falana further noted that his prosecution was unwarranted and a violation of his human rights, which in itself was a reflection of the arrests and detentions of pro-democracy activists at the time.^[44][45][46]