Public Reaction and the Legitimacy Crisis of the Transition

General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida or ‘IBB’ became the military president of Nigeria in 1985, after overthrowing General Muhammadu Buhari (yes, we know what you’re thinking and you’re right) in a military coup. On becoming president, IBB sold himself as the military leader who would usher in Nigeria’s democracy; but what continues to puzzle historians is why he repeatedly delayed the democratic transition until 1993.

In this episode, Wale Lawal finds some answers. Learn more at republic.com.ng/podcasts/.