Interim National Government installed

In August 1993, General Ibrahim Babangida stepped down as military head of state and handed power to an Interim National Government led by Chief Ernest Shonekan, a prominent businessman and former head of the United African Company. This transition followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which had been won by Chief Moshood Abiola. The interim arrangement was meant to serve as a temporary civilian administration while preparations were made for fresh elections.

The installation of the interim government came after mounting domestic and international pressure on Babangida's military regime following the controversial election annulment. Widespread protests, strikes, and civil unrest had erupted across Nigeria, particularly in the Southwest, as citizens demanded the validation of the election results. Babangida's eight-year transition program had already faced criticism for its repeated postponements, and the June 12 annulment represented the final breaking point that made his continued rule untenable.