Ibrahim Babangida, a former military Head of State, has stated that Nigerian politicians have failed to capitalize from the gains of June 12 election.
Speaking on Sunday, June 11 ahead of Democracy Day which is marked June 12 of every year, Babangida said politicians have blatantly ignored the “beauty part” of June 12, 1993 election which was highly adjudged the freest and fairest election in Nigeria.
In a statement released by his media aide, Kassim Afegbua, Babangida said;
“The gains of June 12, 1993 presidential election have not been exploited by political leaders in succeeding elections in Nigeria,” he said.
“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 elections.”
Babangida says progress has been made with recent electoral reforms, but it is still a work in progress
“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,” he said.