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Senator Shehu Sani has expressed regret over the decision by Nigerian democracy fighters to decline the military’s offer to take over power in 1999, a decision he now considers a significant mistake.
During a panel discussion at the “This Nigeria Lecture and Award” event in Abuja, themed “25 Years of Unbroken Democracy – Challenges, Prospects and Possibilities,” the former Kaduna Central lawmaker reflected on the missed opportunity.
He highlighted how, after years of imprisonment under the regime of former military leader Sani Abacha, many democracy advocates were released following Abacha’s death.
Senator Sani recalled that General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who succeeded Abacha, extended an invitation to democracy fighters, offering them the chance to take over power. However, this offer was repeatedly declined.
“Abdulsalami Abubakar invited us, the democracy fighters, to take over power from the military. Despite his persistent invitations, we refused to cooperate,” Sani recounted.
“Prominent figures like Gani Fawehinmi opposed it. We rejected the military’s offer three times, while politicians eagerly knocked on Abubakar’s door.”
Reflecting on the situation, Senator Sani lamented their failure to seize the opportunity, drawing a parallel to the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa, which took over political power post-struggle.“By the time we decided to engage with the military, it was too late.
The ANC in South Africa took over after their struggle, but we refused to cooperate in 1998 and 1999, which was a fundamental mistake.
Leaders like Mike Ozekhome, Gani Fawehinmi, Femi Falana, and Olisa Agbakoba opposed joining the military’s offer,” Sani explained.
He further noted that by the time they resolved to participate in politics, politicians had already filled all significant positions.
“When we finally agreed to join, the political space was already occupied.
Figures like Mike Ozekhome, Gani Fawehinmi, Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana, and myself couldn’t secure key political posts,” Sani added.
The event also featured other notable attendees, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, legal luminary Mike Ozekhome (SAN), and Abiodun Adeniyi.
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