February 24, Nigeria: Former presidential candidate Fela Durotoye has emphasized the profound and lasting damage caused by the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, describing it as a pivotal moment that continues to shape Nigeria’s political landscape. Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political program on Channels Television, Durotoye argued that the decision by former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida to annul what is widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election has left a legacy of voter apathy and mistrust in the electoral system.
“The annulment of June 12 had a devastating impact on our trajectory as a nation,” Durotoye stated. “It was at that moment Nigerians concluded that their votes don’t count, and that belief has been embedded in the consciousness of the people ever since.” He noted that this perception has significantly influenced voting behavior, leading to widespread electoral disengagement.
Durotoye explained that the 2023 general election exemplified this trend. Despite 93 million registered voters, only about 23 million votes were counted, including what he categorized as “mobilized, monetized, manufactured, and manipulated votes.” This means approximately 70 million eligible voters abstained from participating. “The majority have become the minority,” he lamented. “The rulers have used the idea that ‘votes don’t count’ to suppress the people.”
He urged Nigerians to break free from this mindset, emphasizing that the past should not dictate the future. “The past only shapes the present, but it is the now that matters,” he said. Durotoye called for a renewed commitment to civic participation, stressing that overcoming voter apathy is crucial for Nigeria’s democratic progress.
His remarks serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring consequences of the June 12 annulment and a call to action for Nigerians to reclaim their power at the ballot box.
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