Kano, Nigeria — Former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has revealed that he directly confronted former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), urging him to resign from office during the height of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle in the 1990s.

Speaking in a recent interview, Lamido said he made the bold call on June 12, referencing the historic date in 1993 when Nigeria held what is widely regarded as its freest and fairest election—an election annulled by the Babangida regime.

“I told IBB to his face to resign,” Lamido stated, emphasizing that his stance was rooted in principle and the need to uphold democratic values during a turbulent political era. He did not specify the exact context or location of the encounter but underscored his opposition to the annulment and military interference in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Lamido’s remarks come amid renewed public reflection on the events of June 12, a date now officially recognized in Nigeria as Democracy Day in honor of the late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled 1993 election.

The former governor’s account adds to the complex political history surrounding IBB’s controversial decision and the resistance it sparked among Nigeria’s political elite and civil society at the time.

Efforts to reach General Babangida’s camp for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.