Babangida Renews Call For 2-Party System, Independent Candidates

Former Nigerian military president, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), has reiterated his long-standing proposal for a two-party system, arguing it would streamline governance and reduce financial burdens.

Babangida, who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, made the remarks during an interview on Channel TV’s Inside Sources with Laolu Akande.

Nigeria currently boasts 19 registered and operational political parties, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This multiplicity has sparked debate, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar alleging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) aims for a one-party state. However, the APC denies such claims.

“I have been in a military regime and the Nigerians I know won’t allow a one-party state. I have been a military man and I know dictatorship can survive in a civil society,” the ex-military leader said Friday during an interview on Channel TV’s Inside Sources.

During the interview, Babangida advocated for a system with just two dominant parties, alongside the possibility for independent candidates.

“Someone strong enough to gather support can contest independently,” he stated.

LEADERSHIP recalls that in 1989, IBB laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s return to civilian rule under the “Third Republic” through the formation of two government-sponsored political parties: the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC). He would, however, annul the 1993 presidential elections in which the two parties contested.