Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has issued a scathing rebuke against the continued recognition and celebration of former military ruler, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB). Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, described Babangida as a “villain” responsible for Nigeria’s democratic setbacks and insisted that justice must be served—no matter how late, even if it is one day before his death.
Speaking during an interview with Nigeria Info FM, Sowore expressed outrage that Babangida, instead of “rotting in jail,” continues to enjoy privileges and reverence despite his role in what many consider one of Nigeria’s greatest political betrayals—the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Babangida, who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, remains a deeply controversial figure in the country’s political history. His annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, led to political unrest, international condemnation, and prolonged military rule that only ended in 1999.
For decades, many Nigerians have held Babangida responsible for derailing the country’s democratic process, with some labeling him the architect of Nigeria’s political instability and economic decline.
During the launch of his book, “The Journey in Service,” and a fundraising event for his presidential library in Abuja, Babangida publicly admitted that Abiola won the June 12 election and acknowledged his role in the annulment. However, instead of seeking redemption, he used the event to raise over N17 billion in just three hours, further infuriating those who still demand justice for his past actions.
Sowore: Nigeria’s Failure to Prosecute Dictators Encourages Impunity
Sowore, known for his unwavering advocacy for good governance and accountability, criticized Nigeria’s failure to hold leaders accountable, arguing that this has emboldened a culture of impunity.
“Nigeria is so backward that justice is delayed to the point that people’s lives are ruined, the economy is destroyed, and criminals are later celebrated. For Babangida to come back 32 years later and slap Nigerians in the face with a book launch instead of facing trial proves that this country is not working,” Sowore fumed.
> “This is why we remain stagnant—because those who subvert democracy are not punished but rewarded.”
He added that Babangida and his “gang” not only sabotaged democracy but also looted Nigeria’s resources, carried out state-sponsored assassinations, and perpetuated economic sabotage.
“The room where Babangida launched his book was filled with criminals who crippled Nigeria’s progress. They gathered like a cartel to sanitize his legacy, but Nigerians will never forget.”
Babangida, during his book launch, attempted to shift responsibility for the annulment onto late military dictator, General Sani Abacha, claiming he was pressured to act. But Sowore dismissed this as a blatant lie.
> “IBB has never told the truth in his life. He wanted to become a civilian president and kept dribbling Nigerians with endless transition programs until he dribbled himself out of power in August 1993.”
He recalled how Babangida postponed the transition multiple times, proving that he had no intention of relinquishing power.
> “He later admitted that he did so much evil to Nigerians that he accepted the label of ‘Evil Genius.’ That was probably the only honest thing he ever said.”
When asked whether an apology would suffice, Sowore dismissed the idea, stating that punishment is the only acceptable course of action.
> “An apology is unnecessary. What we need is punishment. IBB ought to be prosecuted and jailed—even if it is just a day before his death.”
He cited historical precedents where war criminals from World War II and the U.S. civil rights era bombings were tried and sentenced even in their 90s.
> “Justice has no expiration date. There are Nazi criminals in their 90s who are still being prosecuted. If we can go after war criminals decades later, why should Babangida be spared?”
Sowore further emphasized that Nigeria’s refusal to punish Babangida sets a dangerous precedent, allowing future leaders to rig elections, loot national wealth, and commit atrocities with no fear of consequences.
Beyond the June 12 annulment, Sowore reminded Nigerians of other heinous crimes committed under Babangida’s regime, including:
The assassination of journalist Dele Giwa via a parcel bomb in 1986.
The execution of military officers accused of phantom coups, many of whom were innocent.
The mysterious crash of a military aircraft in 1992, killing some of Nigeria’s brightest officers.
The disappearance of $12 billion from Nigeria’s treasury after the Gulf War oil windfall.
“We must investigate and prosecute these crimes. Babangida’s eight-year rule was a period of organized looting, assassinations, and dictatorship. If Nigeria ever hopes to move forward, we must hold him accountable.”
Sowore lamented that many young Nigerians today do not know their own history because it has been deliberately erased from school curricula.
> “The younger generation is unaware of IBB’s crimes because they were never taught. But make no mistake, his actions in 1993 shaped the Nigeria we suffer in today.”
He further accused many so-called pro-democracy activists of being hypocrites, as some of them have now aligned with Babangida, celebrating him despite once opposing him.
> “Those who opposed IBB back then are now praising him and donating to his library. Their activism was never about democracy—it was about personal gains.”
Sowore concluded with a strong call to action, urging Nigerians to reject the whitewashing of Babangida’s legacy.
> “Babangida is a villain. He should not be celebrated—he should be tried, convicted, and remembered only as a man who betrayed his country.”
> “If we do not punish those who destroy our democracy, we will keep suffering the consequences. The fight for justice does not end—it continues until every enemy of democracy is held accountable.”
While Sowore acknowledged that Nigeria’s current political climate makes it unlikely that Babangida will face prosecution soon, he remained hopeful that justice will eventually catch up.
> “It may not be today, it may not be tomorrow, but one day, Babangida and his accomplices will pay for their crimes. And that day, Nigeria will finally begin its true journey to justice and democracy.”
The question remains: Will Nigeria ever muster the courage to put its dictators on trial? Or will history repeat itself as impunity reigns unchecked?
PIONEER NEWS 