A Nigerian human rights organisation has called for the prosecution of former military ruler General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida over the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, describing his actions as a “coup d’état” against democracy.
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) made the demand following Babangida’s recent public admission of his role in the annulment, which the group says was an attempt to “hoodwink” Nigerians into believing he acted in good faith.
“The reckless, illegal, and unconstitutional annulment of the June 12 election remains one of the gravest injustices inflicted upon Nigerians, undermining democracy and destabilizing the nation,” the CDHR said in a statement signed by its president, Debo Adeniran.
The 1993 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s fairest, was set to declare business mogul Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola as president before Babangida abruptly annulled the results on June 23, 1993.
The move sparked nationwide unrest and paved the way for the repressive military rule that followed.
CDHR argues that Babangida’s admission is “a clear acknowledgment of his direct involvement in an act that plunged Nigeria into years of political turmoil, civil unrest, and economic hardship.”
The group insists that the former leader’s actions meet the threshold of crimes against humanity and warrant prosecution.
The rights organisation urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate steps to hold Babangida accountable, noting that his confession constitutes sufficient evidence for legal action.
“We call on President Tinubu to prosecute General Babangida for crimes against humanity and for orchestrating a coup d’état that subverted the democratic will of Nigerians,” the statement read.
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CDHR further demanded that posthumous recognition be given to Abiola as a past Nigerian president, alongside penalties for all individuals who benefited from the annulment.
The group also urged international human rights bodies to intervene to ensure justice is served.
Babangida, who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, has yet to respond to the renewed calls for prosecution.
