Back to: History SSS 2
My brilliant Afrilearn superstar! I hope you’re having a great day! Have you ever seen a football match where the referee keeps changing the rules, making it hard for the players to win fairly? That’s similar to what happened in Nigeria between 1993 and 1998, a period filled with political instability, weak governance, and military takeovers.
Today, we’ll discuss the challenges of democracy, the Interim National Government (ING), and the return of the military from 1993 to 1998.
The Challenges of Democracy; the governance, interim national government, the return of the military 1993-1998
The Challenges of Democracy in Nigeria
Democracy is supposed to be a system where the people choose their leaders through free and fair elections. However, after the June 12, 1993 election was annulled, Nigeria faced major challenges in its democratic journey.
Key Challenges
Election Rigging and Political Manipulation
The June 12, 1993 election—won by MKO Abiola—was annulled, showing that democracy was not respected.
Future elections also faced rigging, violence, and manipulation by the military and politicians.
Weak Governance and Corruption
The leaders who came after Babangida failed to properly govern Nigeria.
Corruption increased, and government officials focused on personal gain instead of national development.
Lack of Political Stability
The annulment of June 12 led to mass protests, strikes, and civil disobedience.
Many Nigerians lost faith in democracy because of constant military interference.
Human Right Abuse
The military cracked down on pro-democracy activists, arresting, imprisoning, or even killing them.
Journalists and opposition leaders were harassed for speaking against the government.
The Interim National Government (1993)
After Babangida stepped down on August 26, 1993, he created an Interim National Government (ING) to temporarily lead Nigeria until elections could be held.
Features of the ING
Headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan
Shonekan, a civilian, was appointed as Head of State.
His government was meant to prepare Nigeria for a return to democracy.
Weak and Powerless Leadership
The military still controlled major decisions, making Shonekan’s government ineffective.
Many Nigerians did not accept the ING because they believed Abiola should have been president.
Economic and Political Crisis
Nigeria was struggling with inflation, unemployment, and poverty.
Protests and strikes continued, making it difficult for the government to function.
The Return of the Military (1993–1998)
On November 17, 1993, just 83 days after the ING was formed, General Sani Abacha staged a coup and took over power, marking the return of military rule.
Abacha’s Military Government (1993–1998)
Dissolution of Democratic Institutions
Abacha abolished all democratic structures, including the ING, state governments, and the National Assembly.
The country was once again under full military dictatorship.
Human Rights Abuses
Abacha’s regime was known for arresting, jailing, and even killing opposition figures.
Ken Saro-Wiwa and other environmental activists were executed in 1995 for protesting against oil pollution in the Niger Delta.
Many pro-democracy leaders, including Olusegun Obasanjo and Shehu Yar’Adua, were jailed.
Attempt to Stay in Power
Abacha set up a fake transition programme to deceive Nigerians into thinking he would return power to civilians.
However, he planned to rule for life by forcing the five political parties at the time to adopt him as their sole presidential candidate.
MKO Abiola’s Struggle and Death
Abiola, who won the June 12, 1993 election, declared himself the rightful president in 1994.
Abacha’s government arrested him and kept him in prison until he died in 1998 under suspicious circumstances.
Abacha’s Sudden Death (1998)
On June 8, 1998, General Sani Abacha died mysteriously, bringing an end to his brutal regime.
He was succeeded by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who later handed over power to a civilian government in 1999.
Summary
After the annulment of June 12, 1993, Nigeria faced major democratic challenges, including election rigging, corruption, and human rights abuses.
The Interim National Government (ING) led by Ernest Shonekan was weak and lasted only 83 days.
General Sani Abacha took power in 1993, ruling with an iron fist until his death in 1998.
His regime was marked by human rights violations, political oppression, and attempts to stay in power forever.
His sudden death in 1998 paved the way for a return to democracy in 1999.
Evaluation
- Why was the June 12, 1993 election annulled?
- Who was the head of the Interim National Government (ING)?
- How long did the ING last before being overthrown?
- What was the most significant human rights violation of Abacha’s regime?
- What happened to MKO Abiola under Abacha’s government?
You are a history legend! Keep learning and stay curious—Nigeria’s history is full of lessons that will help shape the future. See you in the next lesson, Afrilearn superstar!