Chief Olu Falae, a former Secretary to the Military Government, ex-Finance Minister, and one-time presidential candidate, reflects in this interview on key moments in Nigeria’s democratic journey. He discusses the significance of the June 12 struggle in preserving the nation’s democracy, while expressing regret that elections since 1993 have lacked transparency and fairness. Falae also sheds light on his role in the formation of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and shares insights into the events surrounding the 1999 presidential election. As a traditional ruler, he underscores the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic process.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Chief Olu Falae, former Secretary to the Military Government and one-time presidential candidate, reflected on his role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, particularly the June 12 struggle. He expressed pride in resisting military dictatorship and playing a key part in forming NADECO, despite being a former insider in the Babangida administration. Falae clarified that the June 12 movement wasn’t about MKO Abiola as a person but about defending democracy and restoring a stolen mandate.

He recounted the personal sacrifices he made, including nearly two years of detention and pressure to renounce NADECO. Despite intimidation, Falae remained steadfast, helping shape the coalition that boldly challenged military rule. He believes the democratic gains Nigeria has enjoyed since 1999 stem largely from NADECO’s resistance, even though the quality of elections has drastically declined.

Falae criticized the trend of revising history regarding the annulment of the June 12 election, emphasizing that the entire military establishment was responsible, not just individual actors like Babangida or Abacha. He believes the June 12 movement permanently deterred further military coups, helping to sustain 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.

However, Falae expressed deep concern over the deterioration of electoral integrity since June 12, 1993. He lamented the persistent voter apathy, vote-buying, violence, and endless litigation that now characterize Nigeria’s elections, asserting that no election since 1993 has been truly free and fair.

On the 1999 presidential election, Falae maintains he won but was denied victory because the military feared a full civilian would probe their activities. Despite this, he harbored no regrets and highlighted his readiness for leadership, citing years of public and private sector experience and a well-researched policy blueprint.

Falae declined to rank Nigeria’s post-1999 presidents but noted that many lacked preparation or coherent development plans. He advocated for a merit-based system where leadership is earned through competence and vision, not power brokerage.

Ultimately, Falae called for a return to credible, issue-based elections, urging the nation to replicate the transparency of June 12, 1993, to build a functional, people-oriented democracy.

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