TheCable

Atiku Abubakar, former vice president, says one of the greatest legacies of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), former military head of state, is that he gave Nigeria two political parties.

The two political parties Babangida allowed to participate in the electoral process in 1993 were the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC).

Atiku said this in a congratulatory message to Babangida by Paul Ibe, his spokesman.

He said that Babangida at 75 deserved accolades for his contributions to the development of the nation.

“One of the greatest legacies of IBB is giving the country a manageable number of political parties by reducing them to two,” he said.

Atiku added that by allowing only two political parties, Babangida reduced waste of resources through financial support from the country’s electoral commission.

He also said that following the conception of the federal capital territory by Murtala Mohammed, the late head of state, Babangida facilitated the rapid development of the city.

“The virtues of forgiveness, and the magnanimous spirit of the former president is one of the magnetic and endearing features of his character,” he said.

“It is impossible to encounter IBB without being moved by his humility towards people, regardless of their social status in life. His detribalised nature and passion about Nigeria’s oneness are virtues worthy of emulation.”

Atiku prayed that God grants IBB many more years in good health “so that the country could continue to drink from his fountain of wisdom”.