Army Role in Nigeria Vote Suits Told

The military government secretly organized the lawsuits that derailed Nigeria’s June 12 elections so the army could keep power, a top official with the group that filed the suits said Friday.

The stunning disclosure bolstered critics who have contended that the military ruler, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, was orchestrating political chaos to keep from stepping down on Aug. 27 as promised.

Abimola Davis, No. 2 official in the shadowy group that supports Babangida’s continued rule, said annulment of last month’s elections was “an organized confusion by just a few of us to prolong the life span of the present military administration.”

Davis spoke at a news conference. Reporters were barred from leaving for 40 minutes after it ended to allow Davis and his family to flee Nigeria before his remarks were publicized.

His Assn. for Better Nigeria, a cryptic organization of wealthy supporters of Babangida, filed a series of lawsuits contending that the two presidential candidates--Moshood Abiola and Bashir Tofa--were corrupt and Babangida should stay in power. Davis signed the suits.

A federal court later termed the elections illegal and suppressed the release of election returns.

The controversy led to worldwide condemnation and to rioting.

Friday’s disclosure came hours after the Babangida government announced that new presidential elections would be held Aug. 14.

Abiola and Tofa have been barred from competing again. The political climate is so volatile that no prominent Nigerian has yet dared to announce a candidacy.