Babangida Speaks on Gains of June 12, Reveals How Politicians Have Failed to Utilise them
- Former Nigerian military head of state, Ibrahim Babangida, has spoken about the gains of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election
- Babangida said political leaders in Nigeria have not utilised and exploited the gains of the election adjudged as the freest and fairest in the country
- According to the retired general, Nigeria's democracy is greatly affected by thuggery, litigations, and voter apathy, amongst others
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Minna, Niger state - A former military head of state, Ibrahim Babangida, has highlighted the gains of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Babangida said he annulled the June 12 election, adjudged as the freest and fairest poll, in the interest of Nigeria.
Source: Facebook
In a statement issued on Sunday, June 11, by Kassim Afegbua, his media aide, the retired general said political leaders in Nigeria have not exploited the gains of June 12, TheCable reported.
IBB said:
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“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.”
Highlights issues affecting Nigeria’s democracy
Babangida highlighted thuggery, violence, litigations, and voter apathy, amongst others as issued affecting the advancement of democracy in Nigeria
“There is thuggery in politics in Nigeria, too many litigations in Nigeria, too many issues that transparent elections ought to have addressed”
He added:
“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.”
Investment in deepening democratic ideals
The former head of state charged political leaders to invest their time and resources in deepening democratic ideals in the country.
Babangida said:
“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.”
2023 Presidency: Babangida opens up on Tinubu's election victory
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that former Nigerian military head of state, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd), has sent a congratulatory message to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory in the just-concluded presidential election.
Babangida, in a statement on Wednesday, March 1, hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting the largely peaceful 2023 general elections.
Details emerge as Shettima meets IBB, Abdusalami ahead of Tinubu's presidency
Legit.ng also reported that Kashim Shettima, the vice president-elect, has met with the ex-military president, General Ibrahim Babangida and former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, behind a closed door in Minna, Niger state capital.
The former governor of Borno state also visited the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago.
2023 Presidency: After Obasanjo and Clark, IBB speaks on endorsing Peter Obi
General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd), a former Nigerian military administrator, has reacted to a viral claim that he has endorsed Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate, ahead of 2023.
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Source: Legit.ng
