Afenifere, a pan Yoruba socio-political organisation and the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) have berated former Nigerian head of state, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) over his claim that he nullified the June 12 election to save the country.
Babangida, who spoke with Arise TV, while recounting the circumstances surrounding the historic June 12 presidential election disclosed that he annulled the election to prevent a deadly coup d’etat which would have happened if the election had materialized.
Reacting, Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, stated that there was no basis for the former head of state to nullify the election, adding that Babangida had a predetermined agenda and never wanted to vacate office.
The military regime of Babangida had been in power prior to the June 12 election as Nigerians yearned for democratic government after decades of military rule. Late billionaire, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), is widely believed to have won the June 12 election.
Speaking further, Adebanjo said the annulment contributed to disunity and suspicion that an ethnic group was bent on dominating other groups.
In his words, ”Babangida never wanted to go. He was changing the goal post during the game. These people from the North only believe in a Nigeria where they will continue to dominate other ethnic groups.
“They only want unity according to their terms. They want to dictate the conditions for unity. We should sit down and agree. Otherwise, the deceit will continue.”
Also, a NADECO chieftain and National chairman, Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), Olawale Oshun, in his reaction described the claims by Babangida as false and unfounded.
Oshun, who is a former Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, said Babangida never wanted to vacate office, adding that the former head of state allegedly compromised the lower chamber to remain in office.
While rejecting the claims of Babangida that he averted a deadly coup by nullifying the June 12 election, Oshun added that every Nigerian, including the military troops voted for MKO, adding that there wasn’t any security threats as everyone was pleased with the outcome of the election.
In his words, “He did not want to go. I was in the House of Representatives at that time. I knew the efforts he made to compromise the House to remain in office. The House was polarised.
“Of course, there were some ambitious men around him; people like Mark, who were not pleased with an Abiola presidency. But, officers like Col. Umar stood their ground on the election.
“He should tell that to the marines. Nigerians voted. He should have allowed it to stand. Abiola won in the barracks. He said soldiers wanted to stage a coup. Are the soldiers more than millions of Nigerians who voted? IBB ruined our country.”
