Judge who annulled the notable “June 12” election dies

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By Amaka Obi

The 1993 June 12 presidential election remains in our history. It is described as the most credible election held in Nigeria. The election which saw MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as the winner was annulled by Judge Dahiru Saleh. 

Judge Dahiru Saleh, was the chief judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court and also held the title of “Mutawalle” of katagum Emirate of Bauchi before his death.

“Saleh, while taking responsibility for the annulment in an interview in 2016, faulted the failure of MKO Abiola to appeal his decision. According to the late judge, he hinged his decision on a midnight ruling on June 11, 1993 by Justice Bassey Ikpeme, which held that the election should not have taken place, to annul the exercise, Sahara reports 

The cancellation of the results, led to months of protest and chaos, calling on the then military president Ibrahim Babangida, to step down. Ernest Shonekan took over Babangida after he stepped down as interim president but was overthrown by Sani Abacha three months later. MKO Abiola was arrested by the Abacha’s regime. He died on July 7, 1998 while still in detention.

The late Judge will be buried in his hometown in Bauchi on Thursday May 7. 

 

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