Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised former military Head of State Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida as the retired general marks his 85th birthday.
Sowore, in a statement posted on his social media platform, accused Babangida of taking actions while in power that, according to him, contributed to Nigeria’s present political and economic challenges.
He said Babangida was being celebrated by what he described as his “cronies” despite the former military ruler’s controversial record in office.
According to Sowore, Babangida “lived long but is no longer living well,” arguing that Nigeria would have been in a better position had the former military leader not allegedly pursued what he described as selfish and harmful policies while exercising power.
Sowore further accused Babangida’s administration of taking decisions that deepened corruption and weakened democratic development in the country.
He argued that Babangida’s legacy should be assessed not only through birthday celebrations but also through the consequences of policies and decisions taken during his years in power.
“History should remember not just the birthday celebrations, but the consequences of the choices he made while holding power that ruined Nigeria,” Sowore said.
Babangida, who ruled Nigeria as military Head of State from 1985 to 1993, remains one of the country’s most influential and controversial political figures.
His administration introduced several economic and political reforms, while his annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election remains one of the most debated decisions in Nigeria’s political history.
