“Babangida will be consigned to the dustbin of history where he belongs” – Sowore

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has criticized the continued recognition and celebration of former military ruler, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), describing him as a “villain” responsible for Nigeria’s democratic setbacks.

Sowore, who is also the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, made the remarks during an interview on Nigeria Info FM, where he expressed outrage that Babangida, despite annulling the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, continues to receive public honour instead of facing justice.

The activist decried the privileges Babangida still enjoys, arguing that he should instead be serving time for what he described as one of Nigeria’s greatest political betrayals.

He lamented that the country has failed to hold leaders accountable for undermining democracy, which, according to him, has emboldened impunity in the political system.

“For Babangida to come back 32 years later to launch a book and raise N17 billion for a presidential library instead of rotting in jail shows that Nigeria is not working,” Sowore stated.

Babangida, who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, is widely criticized for annulling the June 12 election, which was believed to have been won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.

The annulment led to political turmoil, prolonged military rule, and Abiola’s eventual arrest and death in detention.

At a recent book launch and fundraising event for his presidential library in Abuja, Babangida publicly admitted that Abiola won the election and took responsibility for its annulment.

However, Sowore dismissed Babangida’s justification for the annulment, calling it an attempt to rewrite history.

“IBB has never told the truth in his life,” Sowore said, rejecting Babangida’s claims that he annulled the election to prevent national instability.

He accused the former leader of deliberately holding on to power and misleading Nigerians with false promises of a transition to democracy.

Sowore argued that rather than issuing apologies, Babangida and his associates should be prosecuted for their actions.

He cited historical cases where individuals were held accountable decades after committing crimes, noting that justice should not have a time limit.

“If IBB had been arrested, prosecuted, and jailed for his crimes, he would probably be begging for parole today,” he asserted.

The activist also called for an investigation into Babangida’s tenure, including the alleged assassination of journalist Dele Giwa, phantom coup trials, and the mismanagement of the $12 billion oil windfall during the Gulf War.

Sowore maintained that Nigeria’s failure to punish past leaders for their misdeeds has enabled corruption and political manipulation.

He vowed to continue advocating for accountability, stating that Babangida should be remembered as a “villain” rather than celebrated.

“It is my hope that one day soon, Babangida will be consigned to the dustbin of history where he belongs,” he concluded.

The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.