Nigeria’s former military head of state, Ibrahim Babangida, has said the count political leaders have not utilised the gains of democracy.
Babangida said this on Sunday through his media aide Kassim Afegbua ahead of Democracy Day — which is marked annually on June 12.
Babangida was responsible for annulling the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by MKO Abiola.
In 2021, the former head of state said he took the decision to annul the election in the interest of Nigeria.
The former leader 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.
“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.”
Speaking further he 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.”
