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Gen. Abdulsalami: Why Military Rule Won’t Return to Power

Published by Tope Fakinlede on February 1st, 2025.

Gen. Abdulsalami: Why Military Rule Won’t Return to Power

Former Nigerian military leader General Abdulsalami Abubakar has explained why a return to military rule in the country is unlikely, emphasizing the nation’s steady transition toward democracy after more than three decades of military governance.

He urged politicians to refrain from exploiting ethnic divisions for personal or political gain, calling on them to prioritize national unity over narrow interests. Abubakar also addressed the issue of political parties being dominated by wealthy individuals, criticizing the financial control that has taken over party leadership.

He believes that political parties should empower their members by allowing them to pay dues and take ownership of the parties, rather than turning membership into a financial transaction. Abubakar further remarked, “Today, acquiring a party membership card feels like applying for a loan from a bank. This needs to be reevaluated.”

He emphasized that political parties must serve as platforms for policy innovation, citizen engagement, and ideological debate, rather than tools for personal power or factional control. The health of a democracy, he stated, is not solely determined by the strength of the ruling party, but by the opposition’s ability to offer constructive criticism and alternative governance solutions.

Abubakar also stressed the importance of internal democracy within parties to ensure fair representation and to eliminate the harmful practices of imposition and godfatherism, which have long plagued Nigeria’s political landscape.

In a call for action, he stated, “Consolidating our democracy is a collective responsibility, and we must act now.”

In a related discussion, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim lamented that in the decade since the failed constitutional conferences of 2006 and 2014, no meaningful efforts have been made to resolve Nigeria’s ongoing political instability. He noted that the lack of national dialogue has led to insecurity, economic decline, and poor governance.

Anyim emphasized the importance of establishing a national dialogue to forge a consensus that addresses the country’s diverse needs. He stated, “In a country as complex as Nigeria, the need for national dialogue and a minimum consensus on the terms of unity cannot be overstated.” He urged leaders to prioritize this dialogue to overcome mutual distrust and propel Nigeria toward stability and global prominence.