Former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has expressed his satisfaction with the transition to democracy, stating that he has no regrets handing over power to a democratically elected president in 1999.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun Newspaper, General Abubakar reflected on Nigeria’s journey since the return to democracy 25 years ago.
He remarked, “I am happy with what is going on. Yes, everything is not perfect, but here we are today, celebrating 25 years of unbroken democracy.”
Acknowledging the progress made, he highlighted the dividends of democracy enjoyed by Nigerians. He emphasized the need to address challenges such as electoral malpractices, urging citizens to recognize the value of their votes.
General Abubakar lamented the persistence of vote-buying and ballot box snatching, calling for concerted efforts to overcome these obstacles.
He stressed the importance of accountability, noting that elected officials cannot be held responsible if votes are compromised.
Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism that Nigerians are gradually realizing the significance of their votes and actively participating in the electoral process.
General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s sentiments underscore the ongoing journey towards strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.