Nigeria’s former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), has urged Nigerian leaders to explore the gains of the June 12, 1993, presidential election in order to deepen democracy in the country.
Babangida stated this yesterday, while speaking through his media aide, Kassim Afegbua, on Nigeria’s democracy and the journey so far.
The former president noted that although Nigeria’s democracy had recorded some growth, there was still many grounds to be covered.
Babangida decried increasing voter apathy in Nigeria’s election, attributing it to insincerity by the leaders resulting in lack of trust by the electorate.
“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 election”, he said.
He further said that the country’s democracy had gotten more advanced with some achievements, urging Nigerian politicians to work toward making it better.
The Supreme Military Council under the leadership of Babangida annulled the June 12, 1993 presidential election adjudged to be the freest and fairest in the country.
