Former Minister of Police Affairs, Adamu Maina Waziri, has said the June 12, 1993, presidential election did not reflect the true desires of Nigerians. Speaking at a memorial colloquium for the late media mogul Raymond Dokpesi in Abuja, Waziri explained that the electorate was boxed into choosing between two candidates—M.K.O. Abiola and Bashir Tofa—who were both close to then-military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida.
Waziri argued that the real popular choices, including Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Bamanga Tukur, were sidelined before the election. According to him, many voters cast their ballots not out of support for the candidates on the ballot, but out of frustration with military rule.
He noted that while June 12 is often hailed as a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic history, it was more of a survival decision than a celebration of democracy. He called it a vote driven by exhaustion with dictatorship, not by faith in the system or the candidates.
Reflecting on Raymond Dokpesi’s legacy, Waziri praised him as a visionary who made lasting contributions to media, politics, and business. He credited Dokpesi with shaping political conversations, especially within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Waziri also expressed concern about Nigeria’s current state of governance. He admitted he was shocked by the emergence of President Bola Tinubu, saying it was something he never anticipated. He recalled exchanging messages with Dokpesi shortly before his death and said he was grateful Dokpesi died at home, which helped avoid potential controversy around his passing.
He urged those present to document Dokpesi’s political work between 1999 and 2023 to help preserve his legacy.
Dr. Alex Ter Adum, General Secretary of D-37 and former Attorney General of Benue State, also spoke at the event. He described Dokpesi as a remarkable figure in Nigeria’s political history, noting his influence across multiple democratic eras. Adum pointed out that Dokpesi died on May 29—Nigeria’s official Transition Day—adding a layer of symbolism to his passing.
In the keynote address, Professor Yusuf Usman criticized Nigeria’s political leadership, citing worsening insecurity, inequality, and widespread corruption. He described the government as out of touch with the people, warning that no nation can thrive under injustice.
Usman said life has become cheap in Nigeria, with an overstretched military and a government that seems indifferent to the people’s struggles. He blamed these issues on a broken political system, with everyday citizens paying the price.
