The African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called for the arrest and prosecution of former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, over alleged crimes and abuses committed during his years in power.
Sowore made the demand in a statement posted on his social media handles on Thursday where he insisted that Babangida’s age should not shield him from accountability for decisions taken during his military administration.
Politics Nigeria recalls that the former military ruler, who governed Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, turned 85 recently
Sowore argued that Nigeria should investigate unresolved allegations of killings, human rights abuses, corruption and other violations associated with Babangida’s regime and prosecute him if evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
“It is not too late to arrest and prosecute Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida for crimes committed under his military dictatorship,” Sowore said.
He cited the case of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, who faced arrest and extensive legal proceedings in his 80s, arguing that advanced age should not automatically place former leaders beyond the reach of justice.
“IBB is 85. His age should not confer immunity from justice. The unresolved killings, abuses, corruption, and other grave violations associated with his regime deserve proper investigation and, where the evidence supports it, prosecution,” he said.
The latest demand followed a public disagreement between Sowore and the Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, over the AAC candidate’s criticism of Babangida.
Sowore had earlier condemned celebrations marking Babangida’s 85th birthday, accusing the former military ruler of leaving behind a damaging legacy.
