February 20th, 2025: The day truth died in Nigeria’s elite circles

On February 20th, 2025, a gathering in Abuja marked the launch of ‘A Journey in Service’, the autobiography of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), Nigeria’s former military ruler. What should have been an occasion for critical reflection on his controversial tenure turned into a spectacle of sycophantic praise and selective amnesia.

The event, attended by Nigeria’s elite — politicians, business leaders, and academics — was less about truth-telling and more about rewriting history to absolve Babangida of his many transgressions against the Nigerian state. It was a day that underscored the fragility of honesty among those entrusted with the nation’s destiny.

General Babangida’s rule (1985 –1993) remains one of the most contentious chapters in Nigeria’s history. His administration was marked by significant economic reforms, political manoeuvring, and institutional restructuring. On one hand, his Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) sought to diversify Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy by liberalising trade and attracting foreign investment.

Infrastructure projects like the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos and the development of Abuja as the Federal Capital Territory were milestones of his tenure. Yet, these achievements are overshadowed by darker episodes — the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest; the assassination of journalist Dele Giwa; and allegations of systemic corruption that siphoned billions from state coffers.

The annulment of June 12 stands as a defining moment of Babangida’s rule. It plunged Nigeria into political chaos, undermined democratic aspirations, and led to widespread protests. While Babangida expressed regret for this decision during his book launch, claiming it was made in “national interest,” his justification rings hollow to many Nigerians who suffered under the ensuing instability. His regime’s legacy is further tainted by accusations of fostering a culture of impunity and eroding trust in public institutions — a reality that continues to haunt Nigeria today.

The February 20th event was not merely a book launch; it was a carefully orchestrated attempt to sanitise Babangida’s legacy. Attendees lavished praise on him, pledging billions of naira for his projects while glossing over the trauma inflicted during his era. This collective denial betrayed a troubling pattern among Nigeria’s elites: an unwillingness to confront uncomfortable truths about their complicity in the nation’s decline.

The irony is glaring. Babangida himself admitted to regrettable decisions during his tenure, yet those gathered seemed determined to absolve him entirely. By refusing to engage critically with his record, they perpetuated a culture of sycophancy that undermines accountability. Such behaviour is not unique to this event; it reflects a broader malaise in Nigerian leadership — a tendency to prioritise personal loyalty over national interest.

Nigeria’s elites would do well to learn from examples of transformative leadership across Africa. Leaders like Paul Kagame of Rwanda have demonstrated how confronting national trauma can pave the way for progress. Kagame’s administration has prioritised reconciliation after the genocide, fostering stability and economic growth through transparent governance. Similarly, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan has championed inclusivity and anti-corruption measures, earning public trust despite inheriting complex challenges.

The IBB book launch spectacle underscores an urgent need for Nigerian leadership to take a hard look at the nation’s past — not through rose-tinted glasses but with sober clarity. Babangida’s era offers valuable lessons about the dangers of unchecked power, poor governance, and political manipulation. His Structural Adjustment Programme highlights both the promise and pitfalls of economic reform; while forward-thinking in theory, its implementation exacerbated inequality and social unrest due to inadequate safeguards for vulnerable populations.

Current leaders must resist the temptation to repeat these mistakes. Economic policies should prioritise inclusivity and sustainability over short-term gains. Political reforms must strengthen institutions rather than undermine them through patronage networks. Above all, leaders must cultivate honesty among themselves — a quality sorely lacking in Abuja, particularly on February 20th.

The day will be remembered not for Babangida’s revelations but for the collective failure of Nigeria’s elites to uphold truth as a guiding principle. A nation cannot thrive when its leaders indulge in self-deception or prioritise personal loyalty over accountability. If Nigeria is to overcome its challenges — economic stagnation, political instability, and social inequality — it must embrace truth as a foundation for progress.

This requires more than rhetorical commitments; it demands action. Leaders must confront uncomfortable truths about their predecessors’ failures and their own complicity in perpetuating systemic issues. Only by learning from its past can Nigeria chart a course toward a future defined by integrity, justice, and prosperity — not just for its elites but for all its citizens.