A week ago, Nigeria’s former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, unveiled his autobiography titled A Journey in Service, during a gathering of notable figures from Nigerian society. The event saw the attendance of surviving former Presidents, Heads of State, and prominent leaders, except for Muhammadu Buhari, who opted to send a representative instead.
Buhari’s decision was likely influenced by the lingering bitterness from 1985, when Babangida ousted him from power and detained him for years. As one of the event’s guests, Arthur Eze, candidly put it: “He (Babangida) made me who I am. He made all of us here.” This statement speaks volumes about Babangida’s lasting influence on many of Nigeria’s current leaders and figures.
Babangida’s eight-year rule from 1985 to 1993 is remembered for a series of transformative, albeit controversial, reforms. His administration made significant strides in reshaping Nigeria’s political and social landscapes.
Babangida dismantled the old political elite that had been entrenched since Nigeria’s independence in 1960 and the end of the Second Republic in 1983. He replaced them with a new generation of political actors—what he dubbed the “New Breed”—who moved away from ideologically driven politics and instead embraced strategic, Machiavellian-style maneuvering. This shift was most evident in Babangida’s complex transition programs aimed at returning Nigeria to civilian rule.
Despite his reforms, Babangida’s time in power was marred by several major controversies. The unresolved murder of investigative journalist Dele Giwa and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election have continued to overshadow his legacy. The latter, in particular, has been the subject of much discussion since Babangida’s autobiography launch.
During the event, Babangida admitted that Moshood Abiola, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, had won the election, which he controversially annulled. Babangida explained that he feared the assassination of Abiola could spark a civil war.
In making this decision, Babangida and his allies believed they were protecting the political interests of the North, preventing a shift of power to the South as dictated by the election. However, they underestimated the changing political landscape and the inevitable need for power transition.
The death of General Sani Abacha in 1998, a key opponent of the June 12 mandate, marked a turning point. Northern elites, led by Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, began to pivot, supporting the transfer of power to the South. In the 1999 elections, the South-West, led by former Head of State Olusegun Obasanjo, emerged victorious.
Since then, the idea of power rotation between the North and South has become ingrained in Nigerian politics, with the South producing three Presidents—Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Bola Tinubu—and the North contributing two—Umaru Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari. This power-sharing arrangement was evident in the 2023 election, where Northern APC Governors played a pivotal role in Bola Tinubu’s victory.
The June 12 election and its aftermath highlight a crucial lesson: the era of using military force for regional dominance has ended. Nigeria must prioritize equitable sharing of power, resources, and responsibilities among its diverse regions.
Babangida’s contributions, despite their controversies, have shaped the nation into what it is today. His decision to share his story through his autobiography provides important insights that will serve as a valuable resource for future generations.
© Vanguard Newspaper