A Nigerian human rights group has called for the prosecution of former military ruler General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida for his role in annulling the June 12, 1993, presidential election, labeling his actions as a “coup d’état” against democracy.
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) made this call after Babangida publicly acknowledged his involvement in the annulment, which the organization claims was an attempt to deceive Nigerians into thinking he acted with integrity.In a statement signed by its president, Debo Adeniran, the CDHR described the “reckless, illegal, and unconstitutional” annulment of the June 12 election as one of the most significant injustices against Nigerians, undermining democracy and destabilizing the country.
The 1993 election is widely regarded as Nigeria’s most credible, with business mogul Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola poised to become president before Babangida unexpectedly nullified the results on June 23, 1993.
This decision ignited widespread unrest and set the stage for further military repression.According to the CDHR, Babangida’s admission of guilt represents a clear recognition of his role in an act that led to years of political instability, civil unrest, and economic challenges for Nigeria.The organization maintains that the former leader’s actions constitute crimes against humanity and should be prosecuted accordingly.
They urged President Bola Tinubu to take swift action against Babangida, arguing that his confession provides sufficient grounds for legal proceedings.“We call on President Tinubu to prosecute General Babangida for crimes against humanity and for carrying out a coup d’état that undermined the democratic will of the Nigerian people,” the statement concluded.
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