Nobel Laureate and renowned playwright, Professor Wole Soyinka, has revealed that he came close to contesting for Nigeria’s presidency in the aftermath of the June 12 pro-democracy struggle but abandoned the idea after 36 hours, calling it “crazy.”
Naija News reports that Soyinka disclosed this on Saturday at a press interaction at Freedom Park, Lagos, during an event tagged “June 12: Romancing the Embers.”
He stated that he nearly accepted the nomination to run for office of President.
“After 36 hours, I said, ‘Wole Soyinka, you dey craze.’ Then I said, let me go back to what I love doing,” the literary icon said.
When asked why he never pursued political office during Nigeria’s post-military transition, Soyinka said he was never drawn to politics and only briefly considered it.
“I did not; I was not interested; I wanted to go back to my writing; I wanted to go back to where I belong; I am not a politician,” he said.
Soyinka slammed individuals who, in his view, downplay the significance of the June 12 struggle, describing them as “enemies of democracy.”
“There are still a lot of misconceptions about June 12, even among those who participated, which is normal,” he noted.
He pointed out that the movement attracted people from different motivations—some driven by genuine passion, others by opportunism or personal vendettas.
“We had betrayals, lots of inconsistencies, and a lot of opportunistic membership.
“We had treachery that cost many lives and pauperised hundreds,” he said.
Soyinka stressed that June 12 should not be politicised or used to score personal points, especially by those who were never part of the movement.
“June 12 did not begin on June 12 and did not terminate on June 12.
“People now assume different roles, pretending and using the transition period.
“Those who invoke it just to trivialise June 12 because of thwarted political ambition are the worst kind of enemies of democracy,” he said.
Calling for continued remembrance, Soyinka advocated public events, civic activities, and formal recognition for the unsung heroes of the struggle.
He said: “June 12 must be sustained through reminders, occasions, gatherings, other civic activities, and through formal recognitions of those who passed away in the movement.”
He also acknowledged that the honours list announced by the current administration had some “misses,” but noted that no list could ever capture the full scope of sacrifice.
“There were indeed some misses in the honours list. But those of us honoured should be seen as mere representatives of that movement,” he added.
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