One of Nigeria’s most notorious ex-military dictators, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has lambasted other Nigerians as unpatriotic, claiming he believes in Nigeria’s future.

His sweeping statement suggests that other leaders following his disgraceful exit from power, including ex-Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, the country’s other political leaders and millions of other Nigerians, are not interested in Nigeria’s future.

He specifically accused Nigerians of being determined to ruin the country.

“I do believe in the future of Nigeria,” Mr Babangida asserted. “But Nigerians don’t believe in the future of their country.” 

“They created, and they destroyed,” the infamous ex-dictator added.

His regarding other Nigerians apart from himself as unpatriotic was part of various intriguing ideas he promoted in an interview with ARISE TV aired on Friday.

The Northern Elders’ Forum declined to comment on Mr Babangida’s statement.

“I cannot comment on that statement for now because I’ve not seen it,” NEF spokesman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed told Peoples Gazette. “I’m not saying you did not quote him right. But I cannot comment until I see the statement.”

Leader of the Yoruba group Afenifere Ayo Adebanjo described Mr Babangida as a “dribbler.”

“Come out straight,” stated Mr Adebanjo to the former dictator. “I believe in one Nigeria. All Nigerians must be equal partners. That must be clear.”

Among the intriguing claims made by Mr Babangida in his interview with the TV station is that he salvaged the country from a possible violent coup by annulling the nation’s “freest and fairest” presidential election.

In the interview, he also wrote former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and APC national leader off as president of Nigeria come 2023, preferring a younger candidate to emerge.