Question

Difficulty: MediumThird Republic Transition and June 12 Presidential Election

Following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, General Ibrahim Babangida stepped down and handed power to an Interim National Government (ING) headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan. Which judicial ruling subsequently declared the ING unconstitutional and illegal, contributing to its eventual collapse?

  1. The Lagos High Court judgment delivered by Justice Dolapo Akinsanya invalidating Decree 61 of 1993Answer
  2. B
    The Supreme Court verdict restoring the administrative powers of the National Electoral Commission (NEC)
  3. C
    The Abuja High Court injunction granted to the Association for Better Nigeria (ABN) stopping election result announcements
  4. D
    The Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) legislative decree officially abolishing civilian governance

Answer

The decision of the Lagos High Court presided over by Justice Dolapo Akinsanya, which declared Decree 61 of 1993 null and void.
In November 1993, Justice Dolapo Akinsanya of the Lagos High Court delivered a landmark judgment declaring the Interim National Government (ING) unconstitutional and void because General Ibrahim Babangida had signed the enabling decree (Decree 61) after relinquishing executive president powers.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key political event
The establishment of the Interim National Government (ING) under Chief Ernest Shonekan in August 1993.
General Ibrahim Babangida created the ING via Decree 61 of 1993 before stepping down as military President.
2
Analyze the legal challenge against the ING
Chief M.K.O. Abiola and his running mate filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the interim regime.
They argued that General Babangida had already relinquished executive authority when he signed Decree 61.
3
Determine the judicial outcome
Justice Dolapo Akinsanya of the Lagos High Court ruled in November 1993 that the ING was illegal and unconstitutional.
This legal void weakened Chief Shonekan's administration, facilitating General Sani Abacha's military coup shortly thereafter.

Key Concept

Third Republic Transition, June 12 Annulment, and the Interim National Government (ING)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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