June 12, 1993 Gains Yet to be Exploited by Political Leaders- Ibrahim Babangida
The former military head of state,
Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB),
has said political leaders have under-utilised the dividends of 1993, June 12 election.
Speaking through his media aide, Kassim Afegbua on Sunday ahead of Democracy Day, marked annually on June 12; IBB noted that despite an improvement in the growth of Nigeria’s democracy, political violence, and incessant litigations have continued to weaken it.
Recall the Supreme Military Council under the administration of Babangida annulled the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by MKO Abiola and adjudged as the freest and fairest poll in the country.
And in 2021, the former head of state affirmed he took the decision to annul the election in what he referred to as the best interest of Nigeria.
He said: “The gains of the June 12, 1993, presidential election have not been exploited by political leaders in succeeding elections in Nigeria.
“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.
“There is thuggery in politics in Nigeria, too many litigations in Nigeria, too many issues that transparent elections ought to have addressed.
“June 12 should naturally encourage more voters to endorse democracy and election, but the turnout during our election is gradually declining.
“Right now there is voter apathy, that’s the more reason why something must be done to ensure mass participation in elections.
“Nigeria’s democracy is getting more and more older. Democracy has come to stay but despite the imperfections, we can still get our arts together to correct some of the issues and continue on that trajectory.
“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,”.
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