In September, twenty-seven more of the arrested soldiers are executed. Observers and the vast majority of Nigerians agree and say it is the fairest election Nigeria has ever held. Abiola asks the international community to stand with him against the military. Babangida decides there should be a new vote and that Abiola will be banned from participating. Protestors bring Lagos to a halt, blocking streets and calling for the immediate installation of Abiola who flees Nigeria after getting death threats.
Security forces begin rounding up democracy activists and leaders.
Ogoni writer and environmental activist and founder of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, Ken Saro-Wiwa is arrested and imprisoned. The ING is rejected by most of Nigeria's unions who launch a national strike. In September Abiola returns to Nigeria and in November the High Court rules that the ING is unconstitutional and illegal. Sani Abacha steps in. He calls on the unions to return to work immediately.