By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Gumsu Abacha, daughter of the late military head of state Sani Abacha, shared a cryptic message on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter), which appeared to respond to claims made by former military president Ibrahim Babangida about her father’s involvement in the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
On Friday, Gumsu posted a single word: “Weakling.”
Her message came amid discussions surrounding Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, which was launched in Abuja on Thursday. In the book, Babangida addressed the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was won by the late MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), has denied allegations linking him to the death of veteran journalist Dele Giwa. Giwa, who was the Editor-in-Chief of ‘Newswatch’ and a known critic of Babangida’s military government, was assassinated by a parcel bomb in his Lagos home on October 19, 1986. Two days before the incident, a … Continue reading
The former military leader explained that he was in Katsina when the press secretary of his second-in-command announced the cancellation of the election without his consent. He claimed he was unaware of the decision at the time.
Babangida further stated that he later realized that those who opposed the election were led by Abacha, his then chief of defence staff, who later became head of state.
Some critics have accused Babangida of shifting the blame to Abacha while portraying himself in a better light. They believe he is trying to alter the historical narrative to absolve himself of responsibility.
Gumsu’s post, along with her reposting of similar views, suggests she sees Babangida’s claims as an attempt to rewrite history. With Abacha no longer alive to defend himself, she appears to believe he is being unfairly blamed.