The Saint and the Sinners of Nigerian Democracy
Nigerians have endured a complex and often turbulent governance history, oscillating between military rule and civilian administrations. Among these, one administration stands out in its controversial legacy: the regime of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB). His leadership remains a defining yet contentious period in Nigerian history, characterized by political maneuvering, military dictatorship, and a mixture of progressive and regressive decisions. Despite decades of silence, Babangida recently revisited these events in his autobiography, A Journey in Service, officially launched at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, in the presence of President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries. The event also doubled as a fundraiser for the IBB Presidential Library.
For over 32 years, Babangida remained largely silent on one of the most defining moments of his rule—the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election, it was won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola. However, Babangida’s military government abruptly annulled the results, citing national security concerns. The decision ignited widespread protests and political unrest, eventually forcing him to step down.
In his autobiography, Babangida finally admitted that Abiola won the election, acknowledging the annulment as an “accident of history.” He claimed his primary concern was preventing Abiola’s assassination by powerful forces opposed to his presidency. According to Babangida, allowing Abiola to assume office could have led to a second civil war. While he conceded that annulling the election was a subversion of the people’s will, his rationale does little to assuage the pain and disillusionment that followed.
His admission drew strong reactions from various individuals and pro-democracy groups, including Afenifere, the Coalition of Northern Groups, Segun Osoba, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Omoyele Sowore, Profile International Human Rights Advocate, and other prominent Nigerians. Many viewed his remorse as too little, too late—an attempt at historical revisionism rather than genuine contrition.
Another dark chapter of Babangida’s regime is the assassination of journalist Dele Giwa of Newswatch magazine. Giwa was killed in 1986 by a parcel bomb, a method of assassination unprecedented in Nigeria. Suspicion immediately fell on the military government, as Giwa had been investigating sensitive national security issues. Babangida continues to deny involvement, asserting that he hopes the mystery surrounding Giwa’s murder will one day be solved. However, critics argue that the government's failure to conduct a transparent investigation has only deepened suspicions.
Babangida also detailed his complicated relationship with General Sani Abacha, who ultimately succeeded him. While acknowledging that Abacha once saved his life and played a key role in the 1985 coup that brought him to power, Babangida described him as a complex character. According to A Journey in Service, Abacha harbored deep animosity toward Abiola and actively worked against his presidency. Babangida revealed that Abacha had even plotted a coup against him, despite their longstanding friendship. This revelation sheds light on the internal power struggles that shaped Nigeria’s political trajectory in the 1990s.
Despite his regrets and explanations, Babangida’s actions continue to cast a long shadow over Nigeria’s democratic journey. While he played a role in Nigeria’s economic liberalization and initiated structural reforms, his legacy remains tainted by the annulment of the June 12 election and his regime’s human rights abuses. His recent admissions raise an important question: What should Nigerians do with this information?
For many, Babangida’s reflections are “medicine after death.” The damage inflicted by his decisions cannot be undone by mere words. However, his admissions serve as a reminder of Nigeria’s turbulent past and the importance of democratic integrity. His autobiography, A Journey in Service, provides insights into the machinations of power but also highlights the need for historical accountability.
In the annals of Nigerian democracy, Babangida remains a paradox—a leader who claimed to act in the nation's best interest but whose actions often led to national crises. His regime’s decisions affected millions of Nigerians, some of whom still await justice.
The true saints of Nigerian democracy are those who fought for the people's will, risking their lives to uphold democratic principles. The sinners, on the other hand, are those who subverted democracy for personal or political gain. Babangida’s reflections, though significant, do not absolve him of responsibility. Instead, they reinforce the need for continued vigilance in protecting Nigeria’s hard-earned democracy.
As Nigeria moves forward, the lessons of the past must not be forgotten. The ghosts of June 12 and other unresolved injustices serve as a cautionary tale: democracy, once stolen, takes generations to restore. Babangida’s story is not just his own—it is a reflection of Nigeria’s political evolution, where the line between saints and sinners remains blurred.
Daniel Okonkwo Profile International Human Rights Advocate
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