A former Minister of Police Affairs, Adamu Maina Waziri, has asserted that the presidential election held on June 12, 1993, did not offer Nigerians candidates of their preference.
Waziri indicated that the electorate was compelled to select between M.K.O. Abiola and Bashir Tofa, both of whom were recognized as associates of General Ibrahim Babangida during that period.
Waziri disclosed this information during the Second Posthumous Legacy Colloquium, which took place on Thursday in Abuja, honoring the late High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, the founder of DAAR Communications. The event was organized by Dokpesi’s friends, political colleagues, and supporters under the D-37 platform.
Waziri stated, “Nigerians, out of frustration, were compelled to cast their votes in 1993 for candidates that were not their preferred choices. With all due respect, Abiola was not the selection of Nigerians, nor was Bashir Tofa. The preferred candidates of Nigerians were Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Bamanga Tukur, and others.”
He contended that although the June 12 election is frequently hailed as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, it was, in reality, a desperate effort by the populace to terminate military governance rather than a validation of the candidates presented.
In reflecting on the legacy of the late Dokpesi, Waziri characterized him as a pioneer whose impact on broadcasting, politics, and business will be lasting. He praised Dokpesi’s efforts in fostering political dialogue, especially within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Waziri also voiced his concerns regarding the current condition of Nigerian democracy, expressing disappointment that Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he “never anticipated” would ascend to the presidency, was inaugurated on May 29, 2023.
Recalling his last conversation with Dokpesi, Waziri remarked, “At least we exchanged chat messages. I was asleep around 11 when I was awakened by the unfortunate news. It was fortunate that he passed away at home. Otherwise, the controversy surrounding his death on that day could have had severe repercussions for this country.
He urged the event organizers to thoroughly document Dokpesi’s political journey, particularly from 1999 to 2023, in order to safeguard his legacy for future generations.
Additionally, Dr. Alex Ter Adum, General Secretary of D-37 and former Attorney General of Benue State, spoke at the event, characterizing Dokpesi as an exceptional individual who played significant roles throughout Nigeria’s Second, Third, and Fourth Republics. He remarked that Dokpesi passed away on May 29—ironically, Nigeria’s “Transition Day.”
In his keynote address, Professor Yusuf Usman expressed criticism of the current political leadership, pointing to escalating insecurity, increasing injustice, and pervasive corruption as major issues.
“We have leadership that prioritizes its own interests and is disconnected from the populace,” he stated. “No nation can achieve safety in the presence of injustice. Life has lost its value, and our military is stretched thin across all states. The citizens are enduring hardship, and the government remains unresponsive.”
Usman concluded that the present condition of the nation stems from a fractured political system, with the repercussions being felt by the average citizens.
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