Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised Nigerians celebrating former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd.), on his 85th birthday.
Sowore argued that Babangida’s years in power should be assessed based on the consequences of his policies and decisions rather than celebrated solely because of his longevity.
Writing on his verified X handle late Monday, Sowore said Babangida had lived long but was no longer living well.
The activist accused the former military ruler of contributing to the political and socio-economic challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly through decisions he said weakened democratic development.
Babangida, who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, has received congratulatory messages from political leaders and other Nigerians marking his 85th birthday.
“Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, the man who did Nigeria dirty, is being celebrated by his cronies on his 85th birthday.
“He lived long but is no longer living well; but had he not been so wicked and selfish in the exercise of power, Nigeria would not be where it is today.
“History should remember not just the birthday celebrations, but the consequences of the choices he made while holding power that ruined Nigeria,” Sowore tweeted.
However, Sowore maintained that Nigerians should remember the controversial aspects of the former leader’s tenure, including the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
He said historical assessment should focus on the impact of leaders’ decisions on the country and future generations, rather than on ceremonial celebrations.
Sowore’s remarks have sparked renewed debate over Babangida’s legacy and the contrasting views surrounding his years as Nigeria’s military leader.
