By Olaitan Ibrahim
Raees Abacha, grandson of the late Nigerian military ruler, General Sani Abacha, has launched a scathing attack on former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (Rtd), branding him a coward who owed his survival to his grandfather.
In series of posts on X titled “My Grandfather Saved the Life of a Coward,” Raees dismissed Babangida’s claims in his recently released book, ‘Journey In Service’ (2025), where he attributed the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election to forces led by General Abacha.
Babangida had described Abacha as his “biggest headache,” yet, according to Raees, still retained him as the chief enforcer in Chief Ernest Shonekan’s transitional government.
Raees argued that if their lifespans had been reversed, Abacha would never have exhibited the “treachery” Babangida allegedly displayed.
He also pointed out contradictions in Babangida’s narrative, questioning how the former leader could claim to have been unaware of the annulment while simultaneously taking responsibility for it.
The grandson of the late dictator further ridiculed Babangida’s reluctance to assign blame in his memoir, warning that anyone who takes the book as the ultimate truth is “following its author toward damnation.”
Concluding his fiery remarks, Raees asserted that Babangida’s greatest enemy was neither Abacha nor external forces, but his own mind—a mind that earned him the infamous nickname “Evil Genius.” In a related development, son of General Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s former military ruler, Sadiq Abacha, has expressed admiration for his late father, stating that his leadership remains significant despite persistent scrutiny.
Sadiq, in a Facebook post on Saturday, suggested that his father was a victim of jealousy and subtle betrayal but insisted that history would ultimately be kind to him.
“The man Abacha—you have always been the one they envied with silent deceit. History shall remember you for being a better leader, no matter how much they try to put you down. As a son, I am most proud of you today. You indeed are the man they wish they were half of”, he wrote.
He ended his message with a Hausa proverb: “Duk wanda yayi jifa a kasuwa,” which translates to “whoever throws a stone in the market…”—a phrase often interpreted as a warning that actions have consequences.
Sadiq’s statement comes just days after the launch of the long-awaited memoir by former military President, Ibrahim Babangida, which has triggered extensive discussions.
A major highlight of the book is the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which Babangida admitted was won by MKO Abiola.
The former leader disclosed that while he regretted the decision, the move was largely orchestrated by forces within his government, allegedly led by Abacha, without his full awareness.
The late Abacha, who ruled Nigeria from 1993 until his passing in 1998, remains one of the country’s most debated figures.
While his government is credited with economic stabilisation and strong security policies, allegations of corruption and human rights violations continue to shape his legacy.