ABUJA, NIGERIA — The 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and publisher of SaharaReporters, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd.), accusing him of contributing significantly to the challenges Nigeria faces today.

Sowore made the remarks as Babangida marked his 85th birthday on August 17, 2026, an occasion that attracted congratulatory messages from political leaders, former officials and well-wishers across the country.

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Babangida served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1985 to 1993, when he stepped aside following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by the late businessman and politician, MKO Abiola. The annulment remains one of the most controversial events in Nigeria’s political history.

In a post on his verified X handle on Monday, Sowore acknowledged Babangida’s longevity but argued that his legacy should be assessed beyond birthday celebrations and tributes.

According to Sowore, Nigeria would have been in a better position today had Babangida not allegedly exercised power in what he described as a selfish and harmful manner.

“Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, the man who did Nigeria dirty, is being celebrated by his cronies on his 85th birthday,” Sowore wrote.

He continued: “He lived long but is no longer living well; but had he not been so wicked and selfish in the exercise of power, Nigeria would not be where it is today.”

Sowore further argued that Babangida’s place in history should be determined not only by the celebrations surrounding his birthday but also by the consequences of decisions taken during his years in power.

“History should remember not just the birthday celebrations, but the consequences of the choices he made while holding power that ruined Nigeria,” he stated.

The comments have added a political dimension to the nationwide reactions surrounding Babangida’s 85th birthday, with debates continuing over the former military ruler’s legacy, particularly his economic policies, political reforms and the annulment of the June 12 election.

While Babangida remains a significant and controversial figure in Nigeria’s political history, Sowore’s remarks represent his personal assessment of the former leader’s record in office.