CHRONOLOGY

Aug. 27, 1985: Gen. Ibrahim Babangida seizes power in a coup.

May 3, 1989: Ban on political parties is lifted; 13 parties are legalized.

Oct. 7, 1989: Government dissolves parties and creates two new parties to contest elections.

Nov. 18, 1992: Military government announces delay in scheduled Dec. 5 elections.

June 12, 1993: Presidential elections.

June 18: A human rights group releases results showing Moshood Abiola winning the election by a wide margin. He declares himself the winner.

June 23: Military dictatorship annuls the elections.

Aug 7: Mr. Abiola flees Nigeria.

Aug. 17: Mr. Babangida offers to resign.