Nigerian leaders have failed to exploit gains of June 12, says Babangida

Ibrahim Babangida, a former military head of state, says political leaders have not utilised the gains of democracy.

The retired general spoke on Sunday ahead of Democracy Day — which is marked annually on June 12.

Babangida annulled the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by MKO Abiola and adjudged as the freest and fairest poll in the country.

In 2021, the former head of state said he took the decision to annul the election in the interest of Nigeria.

Speaking through Kassim Afegbua, his media aide, Babangida said although Nigeria’s democracy has recorded some growth, there are still many grounds to be covered.

“The gains of June 12, 1993 presidential election have not been exploited by political leaders in succeeding elections in Nigeria,” he said.

“It was adjudged the freest and fairest election in Nigeria, yet politicians have blatantly ignored that beauty; the beauty of credible elections.

“Remember, it was an election Nigerians came out en mass to choose their leaders, irrespective of their cultural/traditional and religious affiliations.”

The former president said political violence and incessant litigations are part of the issues affecting democracy.

“There is thuggery in politics in Nigeria, too many litigations in Nigeria, too many issues that transparent elections ought to have addressed,” he said.

Babangida decried increasing voter apathy, attributing it to the trust deficit between the people and their leaders.

“June 12 should naturally encourage more voters to endorse democracy and election, but the turnout during our election is gradually declining,” he added.

“Right now there is voter apathy, that’s the more reason why something must be done to ensure mass participation in elections.”

IBB, however, said Nigeria can get it right if leaders invest their time and resources in deepening democratic ideals.

“Nigeria’s democracy is getting more and more older. Democracy has come to stay but despite the imperfections, we can still get our act together to correct some of the issues and continue on that trajectory,” he said.

“It is a learning curve and a work in progress. Our leaders must continue to invest their time, energy, and resources to deepen democracy and sustain democratic ideals.”