African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has launched an attack on former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, accusing him of making selfish and damaging decisions that contributed to Nigeria’s current challenges.

Sowore made the remarks as Babangida, who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, is being celebrated by associates and supporters to mark his 85th birthday.

In a statement posted on his X on Monday, Sowore described Babangida as a leader whose years in power left a damaging legacy, arguing that Nigeria would have been in a better position had the former military ruler exercised power differently.

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

“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.”

The AAC presidential candidate said Babangida’s legacy should not be assessed merely through the birthday celebrations surrounding him, but through the consequences of the policies and decisions taken during his tenure.

According to Sowore, Babangida’s record was characterised by decisions that allegedly deepened corruption, weakened democratic institutions and imposed long-term costs on Nigerians.

“His legacy is not one of nation-building, but of decisions that deepened corruption, undermined democracy, and left generations of Nigerians paying the price,” he said.

Sowore further argued that history should place greater emphasis on the impact of Babangida’s leadership rather than the celebrations marking his longevity.

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

Babangida seized power in August 1985 and governed the country until August 1993.

His administration introduced several major political and economic reforms, but his tenure remains controversial, particularly over the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by MKO Abiola.