African Action Congress (AAC) presidential hopeful for the 2027 election, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised former military ruler, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, over what he described as the lasting damage caused by decisions taken during Babangida’s years in power.
Sowore, who is also the publisher of SaharaReporters, made the remarks as Babangida marked his 85th birthday on August 17. The former military leader received messages of goodwill from politicians, public figures and other Nigerians who celebrated the occasion.
However, Sowore used the anniversary to draw attention to what he considers the controversial aspects of Babangida’s eight-year administration.
Babangida governed Nigeria as military Head of State between 1985 and 1993. His administration ended after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, a decision that generated widespread criticism and political unrest. The election was generally regarded as having been won by the late businessman and politician, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
In a statement shared on his verified social media account, Sowore argued that Nigerians should not focus solely on Babangida’s longevity or the goodwill surrounding his birthday. Instead, he called for greater attention to the consequences of policies and actions associated with the former ruler’s time in office.
The AAC candidate accused Babangida of contributing significantly to some of the challenges confronting Nigeria today. He argued that decisions made during the former military administration had consequences that continued to affect the country several decades later.
Sowore particularly questioned Babangida’s record on democracy and governance. He alleged that the former ruler’s actions weakened democratic institutions and created conditions that encouraged corruption and poor governance.
According to Sowore, Nigeria could have developed along a different path if the country’s political leadership had made different choices during the military era.
He argued that Babangida’s influence should therefore be assessed not merely through the achievements attributed to his administration but also through the long-term effects of the decisions taken while he controlled the affairs of the country.
Sowore further stated that the annulment of the June 12 election remained one of the major events associated with Babangida’s tenure. The cancellation of the poll, which was widely believed to have produced Abiola as the winner, became a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history and contributed to years of political instability.
The activist maintained that celebrating Babangida’s birthday without examining his political record would present an incomplete picture of his place in Nigerian history.
He said the country’s younger generation continues to experience the consequences of decisions made by previous leaders and insisted that historical accountability should remain important.
Sowore also criticised those who publicly celebrated the former military ruler without considering the impact of his administration on Nigeria’s democratic development.
While acknowledging Babangida’s long life, Sowore questioned whether longevity should automatically translate into praise when a leader’s political record remains controversial.
He concluded that history should preserve both the positive and negative aspects of Babangida’s time in office, particularly the decisions that shaped Nigeria’s political and economic direction.
Sowore maintained that Nigerians should remember the former military ruler not only for reaching 85 but also for examining the lasting consequences of his years in power.
