Former presidential candidate and businessman, Gbenga Hashim, has commended General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) for acknowledging his past mistakes and offering an apology to the nation, describing the move as a crucial step toward national healing and reconciliation.
Hashim, who was detained without trial under Babangida’s military regime revealed that while he was invited to the launch of IBB’s latest book, he was unable to attend.
However, he later visited the former Head of State to congratulate him on the success of the project, which has sparked widespread debate across the country.
During a congratulatory visit on Tuesday to the former Head of State, who found courage to apologize to the nation over his past mistakes, Gbenga Hashim explained that, rather than focusing on the controversial aspects, he emphasized the significance of Babangida’s admission of past mistakes.
According to Hashim, “IBB is not the only leader who made mistakes in office, but not everyone has found the courage and humility to admit their errors. What he has said and written are important testimonies for national reconciliation.”
From Political Opponent to Ally in Nation-Building
Hashim clarified that he is neither a praise-singer nor a beneficiary of Babangida’s government, recalling his strong opposition to IBB’s regime and imprisonment under Decree 2.
However, since 2004, following mediation by the late Governor Abdulkadir Kure, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, and Dr. Esther Uduehi, he has come to appreciate Babangida’s qualities beyond politics.
“IBB is an enigma. Despite our differences, I have come to admire his humility, simplicity, and deep love for Nigeria’s unity. To him, national unity is like a religion”, he said.
Babangida’s Role in Goodluck Jonathan’s Presidency
Hashim also revealed Babangida’s pivotal behind-the-scenes role in ensuring Goodluck Jonathan became President under the Doctrine of Necessity during Nigeria’s 2010 political crisis.
“He asked me to fly in from London when some interest groups were working to prevent Jonathan from becoming Acting President. I ran errands between him and Baba in Ota. I was with IBB till 1:00 a.m. the night Yar’Adua was being brought back into the country. We worked with Senate Leader Teslim Folarin and Senator Pulka, who represented Jonathan’s camp. The rest, as they say, is history”, he disclosed.
A Call for National Reconciliation
Hashim stressed the urgent need for Nigerian leaders to acknowledge past mistakes, arguing that a culture of accountability and reconciliation is essential for national progress.
He noted that “As a nation, we need to apologize to some people so we can close the chapter on hatred and move forward. The victims of the first coup, including our founding fathers, those affected by the counter-coup, and various crises in our history—these wounds need to be addressed. Nelson Mandela worked with De Klerk to reconcile South Africa. We must also work hard to bring our country together.”
He added that with Babangida’s recent public admission and apology, discussions around leadership accountability, historical injustices, and national unity have gained renewed momentum, noting that whether other Nigerian leaders will follow in his footsteps remains to be seen.
Hashim’s remarks underscore the importance of reflection, reconciliation, and healing in Nigeria’s political landscape.
