Former Military President , retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, has asked Nigerian leaders to explore the gains of June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, toward deepening democracy in the country.
Speaking in Minna with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Nigeria’s democy and the journey so far,
he said that the gains of June 12, 1993 presidential election have not been exploited by political leaders in succeeding elections in Nigeria. He said that though it was adjudged the freest and fairest election in Nigeria, yet politicians have blatantly ignored that beauty, which the beauty of credible elections.
He said it was an election Nigerians came out en mass to choose their leaders, irrespective of their cultural and religious affiliations.
The former president who spoke through his Media Aide, Kassim Afegbua, said that although Nigeria’s democracy had recorded some growth, there was still many grounds to be covered.
He decried the thuggery in politics in Nigeria and many litigations in Nigeria and too many issues that transparent elections ought to have addressed.
Babangida also decried increasing voter apathy in Nigeria’s election, attributing it to insincerity by the leaders resulting in lack of trust by the electorate.
He said that June 12 should naturally encourage more voters to endorse democracy and election, but the number of turnout during the election is gradually declining.
He also stated that presently, there is voter apathy, which is the more reason something must be done to ensure mass participation in election.
He maintained that democracy has come to stay but despite the imperfections, the leaders can still get their arts together to correct some of the issues and continue on that trajectory.
