Back to: History SSS 2
My brilliant Afrilearn superstar! I hope you’re doing great today! Have you ever played a football match where the captain keeps promising to step down for a new leader but never does? This was exactly what happened during General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime (1985–1993). He introduced a transition programme to return Nigeria to civilian rule but kept postponing it.
Today, we’ll be looking at the structure of Babangida’s regime and his transition programme—how he ruled Nigeria and why his plan to return the country to democracy failed.
Structure of Babangida’s Regime (1985–1993)
On August 27, 1985, General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) overthrew Major General Muhammadu Buhari in a bloodless coup. He called himself a “military president”, making him different from past military rulers.
Key Features of His Government
The Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC)
This was the highest decision-making body, made up of top military officers.
Babangida was the chairman, and all major policies had to be approved by the AFRC.
The Executive Council
This included ministers and advisers who helped run the government.
Some of them were civilians, which made it look like a civilian-military government.
State Military Governors
Nigeria had 19 states in 1985, but Babangida later increased them to 30 states by 1991.
Each state had a military governor appointed by Babangida.
Local Government Reforms
He introduced direct funding for local governments, making them more powerful.
Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP)
In 1986, he introduced SAP to restructure the economy by reducing government control and promoting the private sector.
However, SAP led to inflation, unemployment, and hardship for many Nigerians.
Expansion of Political Space
He introduced a two-party system in 1989, with government-created parties:
Social Democratic Party (SDP) – Representing the progressive group.
National Republican Convention (NRC) – Representing the conservative group.
Babangida’s Transition Programme (1987–1993)
Babangida promised to return Nigeria to civilian rule, but he kept delaying the transition.
Key Steps in the Transition Programme
Creation of New States and Local Governments (1987, 1991)
Babangida increased the number of states from 19 to 30 to give different regions more power.
He also created new local government areas to bring governance closer to the people.
Banning and Unbanning of Politicians (1989–1992)
In 1989, he allowed political activities and created two political parties (SDP and NRC).
However, he later banned some old politicians, saying they were corrupt.
Conduct of Elections (1990–1992)
Local government elections were held in 1990.
State governorship elections were held in 1991.
Presidential elections were planned for 1993.
Annulment of the June 12, 1993 Election
On June 12, 1993, a presidential election was held, widely believed to be Nigeria’s freest and fairest election.
Chief Moshood Abiola (MKO) of the SDP won against Bashir Tofa of the NRC.
Shockingly, Babangida annulled the election results, refusing to hand over power.
This led to massive protests and political instability.
Step Down and Interim Government (August 1993)
Due to the crisis, Babangida was forced to step down on August 26, 1993.
He handed power to Chief Ernest Shonekan, who led a weak Interim National Government (ING).
General Sani Abacha later overthrew Shonekan in November 1993.
Summary
Babangida’s government (1985–1993) had a military structure with the AFRC, state governors, and an executive council. His transition programme was supposed to return Nigeria to civilian rule, but he kept postponing it. His biggest mistake was annulling the June 12, 1993 election, which led to protests and forced him to step down.
Evaluation
- What was the name of Babangida’s highest ruling body?
- Name the two political parties created under Babangida’s transition programme.
- Why was the June 12, 1993 election annulled?
- Who took over power after Babangida stepped down in August 1993?
You are a history champion! Keep learning because knowledge is power. See you in the next lesson, Afrilearn superstar!
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