Former military leader and retired general Ibrahim Babangida has given Nigerian leaders the duty of examining the benefits of the presidential election of June 12, 1993 in order to strengthen democracy there.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna, Mr. Babangida discussed the development of Nigeria’s democracy.
“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 where Nigerians came out en masse to choose their leaders, irrespective of their cultural/traditional and religious affiliations,” he said.
The former president who spoke through his media aide, Kassim Afegbua, said that although Nigeria’s democracy had recorded some growth, there were still many grounds to be covered.
“There is thuggery in politics in Nigeria, too many litigations in Nigeria, too many issues that transparent elections ought to have addressed,” he said.
Mr. Babangida lamented the growing voter indifference in Nigeria’s election and blamed it on the politicians’ insincerity, which left the voters with little faith in them.
“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 reason why something must be done to ensure mass participation in the election,” he said.
He said that the nation’s democracy has improved thanks to some successes and urged Nigerian leaders to work to improve it.
“Nigeria’s democracy is getting older and 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,” he said.
According to NAN, Mr. Babangida’s Supreme Military Council invalidated the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which had been deemed to be the most fair and free in the nation.
(NAN)
