Atedo Peterside, founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and Anap Foundation, has cautioned that Nigeria’s elite risk “normalizing” deceit if not held accountable.

Speaking on Sunday Politics, a Channels TV program, Peterside stressed the need for truth and integrity in national affairs, warning against trivializing serious issues.

His remarks followed revelations from A Journey in Service, the autobiography of former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB). In the book, Babangida claimed he was unaware of the official announcement annulling the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely believed to have been won by MKO Abiola. He attributed the decision to forces led by Sani Abacha, who later became military head of state.

Peterside criticized such narratives, stressing that Nigeria needs principled elders to guide the younger generation with honesty.

“If we are not careful, the Nigerian elite will normalize deceit or fraud. That is why some people have pointed out that enough is enough. There are some issues you cannot joke with,” he said.

He lamented the loss of elder statesmen like Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark, describing them as figures who consistently upheld the truth.

“We must ensure that a new generation of elders emerges those who stand for the truth, tell the same story consistently, and do not rewrite history,” he added.

Reflecting on the June 12 annulment, Peterside noted that the election results were widely known, except for Taraba State, and that he personally protested the decision.

“The ghost of June 12 still haunts those involved,” he concluded, warning that history will continue to judge those responsible for undermining democracy.