Former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd), has decried the failure of Nigerians political leaders to utilise the gains of democracy.
Babangida, popularly called IBB, stated this on Sunday ahead of the annual June 12 Democracy Day anniversary.
Recall that the former military president annulled the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, fondly called MKO. The annulled election has since been adjudged the freest and fairest poll in the country’s political history.
IBB said in 2021, that he took the decision to annul the election in the interest of Nigeria.
Babangida, who spoke through his media aide, Kassim Afegbua, on Sunday, said though Nigeria’s democracy had recorded some improvement, a lot of grounds are still left uncovered.
He said, “The gains of 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.”
IBB listed political violence and incessant litigations as some of the issues still affecting the country’s 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.
He also decried increasing voter apathy, which he blamed on the trust deficit between the people and their leaders.
IBB added, “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.”
But the former military president noted that Nigeria can get it right if leaders invest their time and resources in deepening democratic ideals.
Babangida further stated, “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.
“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.”