Nigeria, Aug. 14 -- Former military president Ibrahim Babangida has opened up on two of the most controversial decisions of his administration: the execution of his childhood friend and former military colleague, General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, and the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

Babangida spoke during a special programme monitored on Badeggi 90.1 FM in Minna as part of activities marking his 85th birthday.

Reflecting on Vatsa's execution, the former military ruler said he initially found it difficult to believe reports linking his childhood friend to an alleged plot to overthrow his government in 1985.

Babangida said he and Vatsa grew up together, attended the then Bida Middle School, now Government College, Bid...