The June 12 election in Nigeria was annulled by the regime of

Analyze the question: It asks which military ruler annulled the June 12 election in Nigeria.

Explain the concept: The June 12, 1993 presidential election was meant to end military rule and return Nigeria to democracy. It is widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria's history. The contestants were:

• Moshood K.O. Abiola (Social Democratic Party, SDP)
• Bashir Tofa (National Republican Convention, NRC)

Abiola was leading in the results when the election was stopped.

Step-by-step solution:

1. The election was held on June 12, 1993.
2. Nigeria was then under the military regime of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, who had ruled since 1985 after overthrowing Muhammadu Buhari.
3. Before the results were fully announced, Babangida's government annulled the election on June 23, 1993.
4. The annulment led to political crisis and protests. Babangida "stepped aside" in August 1993 and handed over to the Interim National Government (ING) under Chief Ernest Shonekan. General Sani Abacha then took over in November 1993.

Checking the other options:

• A. Obasanjo: He was military head of state from 1976 to 1979, and later a civilian president from 1999 to 2007. He had no role in the annulment.
• C. Buhari: He was military head of state from 1983 to 1985, so he was out of power well before 1993.
• D. Gowon: He ruled from 1966 to 1975, long before.

Correct answer: B. Ibrahim Babangida

Exam tip: Link the key date with the ruler: 1993 = Babangida (annulment), Abiola (winner), Abacha (took over after the ING). Also, remember that June 12 is now officially celebrated as Democracy Day in Nigeria, replacing May 29 (declared by President Buhari in 2018).