Former military President, Ibrahim Babangida has tasked Nigerian leaders to explore the gains of the June 12, 1993, presidential election and use them to deepen democracy in the country.
Babangida described the poll as a “learning curve” but noted that political leaders had yet to tap into it for the purpose of encouraging more voter participation.
He spoke on Sunday with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) through his media aide Kassim Afegbua.
The former military leader whose regime annulled the poll won by the late Chief MKO Abiola said: “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.”
The former military president noted 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.
Babangida blamed increasing voter apathy on the insincerity of political leaders.
“June 12 should naturally encourage more voters to endorse democracy and election, but the number of turnouts during our election is gradually declining.
“Right now, there is voter apathy, that’s the more reason why something must be done to ensure mass participation in the election,” he said.
He, however, said that the country’s democracy had gotten more advanced with some achievements.
“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,” Babangida said.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
