According to Ibrahim Babangida, a former military head of state, Nigerian politicians have openly neglected the “beauty part” of the June 12, 1993 election, which was deemed to be the freest and fairest election ever held in Nigeria.
Babangida bemoaned that political violence and ongoing legal disputes in Nigeria’s elections are among the problems harming democracy, according to a statement by Kassim Afegbua.
Babangida criticised the decreased voter turnout in elections, attributing it to a lack of trust between the populace and their leaders, but he also voiced faith that Nigeria can make things right if its leaders devote their time and money to strengthening democratic ideals.
“The gains of June 12, 1993 presidential election have not been exploited by political leaders in succeeding elections in Nigeria.”
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“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.”
“There is thuggery in politics in Nigeria, too many litigations in Nigeria, too many issues that transparent elections ought to have addressed,” he said.
“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 election.”
“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.”
