Okay, my friend, pull up a chair. Let’s talk about June 12th. Today is June 12, 2025, and for many, it’s a public holiday, a chance to rest or spend time with family. But for Nigerians, it’s so much more than just a day off. It’s Democracy Day.
And when we talk about Democracy Day, we’re not just celebrating a calendar date. We’re remembering a monumental moment, a profound sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of a nation that desperately yearned for freedom. It’s a day to remember the people – our heroes, our “founding fathers” of modern democracy – who paid the ultimate price for the liberties we now hold dear, even if sometimes imperfectly.
So, let’s journey back in time, shall we?
Nigeria in the Early 90s: A Nation Under Uniform
Imagine Nigeria in the early 1990s. The air was thick with the weight of military rule. General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, “IBB” as he was widely known, was at the helm, and he had promised a transition to civilian rule. For years, Nigerians had lived under the shadow of military decrees, coups, and counter-coups. There was a deep hunger, a palpable yearning, for the return of civilian government, for the voice of the people to truly matter.
Political activities were carefully controlled, and hope was a precious commodity. Nigerians, resilient and ever-optimistic, longed for a new dawn, a break from the cycle of military strongmen. The promise of an election, a chance to choose their leaders, filled the air with cautious optimism.
The Man Who Dared to Dream: M.K.O. Abiola
Into this atmosphere stepped a man who would become the face of that hope: Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, widely known as MKO Abiola. Now, MKO wasn’t just any politician. He was a wealthy businessman, a media mogul, a philanthropist, and a true titan of his time. But what truly set him apart was his incredible connection to the common person. He was a Muslim who built churches, a Yoruba man who spoke Hausa and Igbo fluently, and someone who invested in communities across the country. He embodied the spirit of unity that Nigeria often aspires to.
His campaign slogan was simple, yet incredibly powerful: “Hope ’93.” It resonated deeply because that’s exactly what Nigerians craved. He wasn’t just selling policies; he was selling a dream of a better, more just Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of their background, could thrive. His pan-Nigerian appeal was undeniable, cutting across the usual ethnic and religious divides that often plague our politics. People genuinely believed he could unite the country.
June 12, 1993: The Day Nigeria Spoke
And then came the day itself: June 12, 1993. It was the Presidential election. Nigerians, in their millions, poured out to vote. This wasn’t just another election; it felt different. There was an unprecedented enthusiasm. People stood for hours under the sun, patiently waiting to cast their ballots. What was truly remarkable was how peaceful and orderly the process was. There were no major reports of violence or widespread rigging, a stark contrast to elections both before and since.
When the results started trickling in, it became clear that MKO Abiola was winning, and winning overwhelmingly. He was leading even in states traditionally considered strongholds of his opponent, Bashir Tofa, and even in states where many believed a Southern Muslim candidate couldn’t win. It was a clear, unambiguous mandate from the Nigerian people. For the first time in a long time, it felt like unity was tangible, that the people’s will was being heard, loud and clear.
The Annulment: A Dream Shattered
But then, disaster struck. Just when the whole nation held its breath, awaiting the final announcement, the process was abruptly halted. And then, the unimaginable happened: General Babangida’s military government, citing flimsy and vague reasons, annulled the election.
Can you imagine the shock? The disbelief? It was like someone had pulled the rug out from under an entire nation. The joy, the hope, the collective sense of achievement — all turned into outrage and betrayal. Nigerians, who had proudly exercised their democratic right, felt utterly robbed. It wasn’t just an election that was annulled; it was the will of the people, a beacon of hope for a true democratic future. The international community, too, condemned the annulment, calling it a travesty.
The Struggle for Revalidation: A Fight for Justice
But Nigerians are resilient. The annulment ignited a fierce pro-democracy movement. Groups like the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), civil society organizations, students, labor unions, and ordinary citizens rose up in protest. They demanded the revalidation of the June 12 election.
At the heart of this struggle was MKO Abiola himself. He could have chosen a quieter path, perhaps sought refuge abroad, but he chose to stay and fight for the mandate he believed the Nigerian people had given him. He famously declared himself the lawful President of Nigeria in the Epetedo Declaration in Lagos, a bold act of defiance against the military junta.
This act of courage came with a heavy price. Soon after his declaration, MKO Abiola was arrested by the military government. He was detained, held in solitary confinement, and denied access to proper legal representation and even family visits. But even from prison, his spirit of defiance inspired millions. The struggle continued on the streets, often met with brutal force from the military. Many lives were lost, many suffered torture and imprisonment, all for the sake of that annulled mandate.
The Ultimate Sacrifice: The Price of Freedom
The struggle reached its most tragic peak on July 7, 1998. After five agonizing years in detention, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola died in military custody, just as hopes of his release were beginning to glimmer. His death, under suspicious circumstances, sent shockwaves across Nigeria and the world. It was a devastating blow, yet it also further galvanized the pro-democracy movement.
MKO was not the only martyr. His wife, Kudirat Abiola, a fierce advocate for his release and democracy, was tragically assassinated in 1996. Activists like Ken Saro-Wiwa and others were unjustly executed by General Sani Abacha’s regime, which had taken over after Babangida stepped aside. These were people who believed so strongly in justice and freedom that they sacrificed everything. Their names, along with countless unsung heroes, are etched into the very fabric of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
MKO’s death, coupled with the immense internal and international pressure, ultimately hastened the end of military rule. Less than a year after his passing, Nigeria returned to democratic governance on May 29, 1999.
From May 29 to June 12: A Rightful Recognition
For years, May 29th was celebrated as Democracy Day, marking the official return to civilian rule. However, a significant portion of Nigerians, particularly those who lived through the June 12 struggle, felt that May 29th didn’t quite capture the true essence of the nation’s democratic journey. They argued that the true foundational day for Nigeria’s democracy was June 12, 1993 – the day the people unequivocally spoke, and their voices were brutally silenced.
The call to recognize June 12 as Democracy Day grew louder with each passing year. And then, in 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari made a landmark decision. He officially declared June 12 as Nigeria’s new Democracy Day, replacing May 29th. This wasn’t just a change of date; it was a profound act of historical correction and national healing. It was a recognition of the sacrifices made, the mandate stolen, and the ultimate triumph of the people’s will. It was a solemn nod to MKO Abiola as the true symbol of that struggle.
Why We Must Never Forget: Lessons from Our Democratic Pioneers
So, why is it so important for us to always remember June 12? Why do we need to reflect on what our democratic pioneers, like MKO Abiola, endured?
- The Power of the People’s Vote: June 12, 1993, showed us that Nigerians, regardless of tribe or tongue, can unite behind a common vision. It showed the undeniable power of a free and fair vote to transcend divisions. It reminds us that our vote truly matters and is a sacred trust.
- Honoring the Sacrifices: It’s a day to remember MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, and the countless others who lost their lives, their freedom, or their livelihoods fighting for democracy. Their blood watered the tree of liberty we now enjoy. We must never take their sacrifice for granted.
- A Lesson Against Tyranny: June 12 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of military dictatorship and the importance of upholding civilian rule and constitutional order. It’s a testament to the fact that power must always reside with the people.
- The Importance of Free and Fair Elections: The 1993 election was arguably one of Nigeria’s freest and fairest. It sets a benchmark for what our electoral process should be. It constantly challenges us to strive for elections that truly reflect the will of the electorate.
- Resilience of the Nigerian Spirit: Despite the annulment and the brutal aftermath, Nigerians did not give up. The spirit of resistance, the demand for justice, ultimately prevailed. June 12 reminds us of our collective strength and determination.
A Final Thought for Us Today
As we observe June 12, 2025, let’s not just enjoy the holiday. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the journey. Let’s remember the lessons learned, the sacrifices made, and the dream of a truly democratic Nigeria that MKO Abiola personified.
Our “founding fathers” in this democratic journey laid a very difficult path. It’s up to us, the living, to ensure their efforts were not in vain. By participating in our democracy, demanding accountability, upholding justice, and never forgetting the price of freedom, we truly honor June 12.
Because a nation that forgets its history is doomed to repeat it. And a people who fought so hard for their voice should never let it be silenced again.
