Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, has applauded General Ibrahim Babangida’s recent admission about the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. He described Babangida’s openness as a bold step towards national reconciliation and healing.
Obi noted through his media team that Nigeria cannot truly move forward without addressing its past political wrongs. He emphasized that Babangida’s acknowledgment of the annulment’s negative impact is an important lesson for current and future leaders.
“The June 12 election represented the will of the Nigerian people, and its annulment remains one of the most unfortunate incidents in our history. However, Babangida’s confession is a step in the right direction. It shows that we must continue to demand accountability from our leaders and work towards ensuring that such a mistake never happens again,” Obi stated.
He further urged the Nigerian government to officially recognize June 12, not just as Democracy Day, but as a day for deep reflection on electoral justice, governance, and the need for a more transparent democracy. Obi also called on other past and present leaders to emulate Babangida by addressing national issues with honesty, as this would help rebuild trust in Nigeria’s political system.
His statement has sparked widespread debate, with some Nigerians agreeing that Babangida’s admission is a significant moment in the country’s history, while others argue that it does not change the consequences of the annulment.