Welcome—you’ve landed in the right place if you’re keen to unpack democracy praise in today’s Nigeria. Let’s dive straight in: on Democracy Day, June 12, 2025, Rep. Samuel Onuigbo publicly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an “unwavering champion” of June 12 values. That acknowledgment isn’t empty flattery—it’s rooted in pivotal moments of our national journey from military rule to democratic resilience.
Why this matters: June 12 earned its pride of place in Nigeria’s political calendar after the landmark 1993 presidential election won by Chief MKO Abiola—later annulled by a military regime. That betrayal sparked nationwide agitation and cemented June 12 as a symbol of democratic aspiration. In 2018, former President Buhari officially recognized that legacy by declaring June 12 Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
Today, Tinubu’s record—dating back to pro-democracy activism, governance as Lagos State governor, through to his presidency—forms the basis of Onuigbo’s acclaim. As we explore this declaration in depth, we’ll trace how past struggles intersect with present realities, probing what it truly means to receive democracy praise in the eyes of a nation still defining its democratic identity.
Background: What is June 12?
Let’s unpack why June 12 is etched so deeply into Nigeria’s democratic consciousness—and why democracy praise today must reverberate with its legacy.
The 1993 Election: A National Awakening
On June 12, 1993, Nigeria held what many still regard as its freest, fairest, and most peaceful presidential election. Over 14 million citizens—from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds—voted, rallying behind Chief MKO Abiola of the SDP, who secured around 58 percent of the votes. This election was more than a vote—it was a collective demand for democratic autonomy after decades of military dominance.
The Annulment: Promise Denied
Barely after the polls, the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida abruptly annulled the results, citing vague electoral irregularities. That decision sparked unrest across Nigeria—mass protests and nationwide disillusionment followed. Abiola, once hopeful, ended up imprisoned—and tragically died in custody in 1998.
While Babangida later expressed regret—calling the election credible and acknowledging Abiola’s victory—that annulment left a moral scar on national consciousness.
From Regional Tribute to National Monument
Initially, June 12 was honored regionally in southwestern states like Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun—dubbed “Abiola Day.” It functioned as a grassroots memorial of Abiola’s sacrifice.
But in June 2018, President Buhari signaled a powerful shift: June 12 was nationally adopted as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, replacing May 29—the date marking the end of military rule in 1999. This recognition elevated June 12 from symbolic remembrance to institutional significance.
Honouring the Heroes
The 2018 shift was more than symbolic: it came with declarations, honors, and renaming:
– Posthumous conferment of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) to MKO Abiola, and GCON to his running mate, Kingibe, plus legal luminaries like Gani Fawehinmi.
– Renaming Abuja’s national stadium after Abiola—the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
– A legal amendment in June 2019 cemented June 12 as the default Democracy Day public holiday.
Present Implications
Today, June 12 stands as both memorial and mandate. It symbolizes:
People power—a moment when Nigerians, united, asserted their democratic will.
A tribute to sacrifices and ideals—honoring Abiola and countless activists.
A legacy benchmark—serving as a reminder for the nation to fulfill its democratic promise.
This deep historical foundation transforms any democracy praise—such as Onuigbo’s for Tinubu—into more than mere rhetoric. It must echo and embody the hopes of a nation still writing its democratic story.
Let’s delve into why Rep. Onuigbo regards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an “unwavering champion of June 12 democracy.” The roots of that recognition trace back decades, to when Tinubu stood shoulder to shoulder with pro‑democracy activists against military rule.
NADECO Activism and Exile
Early Senate Role & Protest
As a Third Republic senator, Tinubu actively opposed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election. He was central to efforts demanding the National Assembly be reopened—a move viewed as a direct challenge to military authority.
Joining NADECO & Sustaining the Struggle
By 1994, he emerged as a key figure in the National Democratic Coalition, the foremost resistance group demanding the reinstatement of Chief MKO Abiola. Under the threat of detention, Tinubu endured house searches, arrest, and the eventual necessity to flee Nigeria.
Courage in Exile
Disguised in traditional attire, he escaped to Benin Republic by motorbike. From exile, he remained active—coordinating support, financing activist efforts, and keeping the flame alive through media networks.
Endangerment Acknowledged
Public figures have testified that Tinubu risked his life for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria, describing his sacrifices as genuine and profound.
Governing Lagos: A Democratic Testing Ground
Two‑Term Transformation (1999–2007)
Tinubu’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State served as proof of his democratic commitment. He earned accolades for governance improvements—including building roads, championing local autonomy against federal restraint, and earning international recognition for administrative innovations.
Institutional Pushback & Innovation
Despite pressure from the federal PDP government, Tinubu established new local councils and stood resolutely for constitutional autonomy. His resistance reinforced the core June 12 principle: democratic rule must respect local self‑determination.
Presidential Advocacy: June 12 in Focus
Presidential Addresses
In his Democracy Day broadcasts, Tinubu has consistently honored June 12 heroes—MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Alfred Rewane, and others. He equally highlighted the indispensable role of press freedom and civil activism in shaping modern Nigeria.
Comprehensive National Vision
His speeches don’t just honor the past—they tie democratic resilience to current governance reforms: economic restructuring, security, minimum wage, and civil liberties. He characterizes democracy as not only periodic elections but as an enduring commitment to freedom, rule of law, and active citizenship.
Against a Complex Landscape
Critics caution that Tinubu’s administration has been slow on civil liberties—citing arrests of journalists and protesters—even as he once stood for freedom. Yet, his defenders maintain Tinubu remains a democratic linchpin: an unsung hero who sacrifices for national unity beyond regional divides.
Why It Matters for democracy praise
All this builds a foundation for democracy praise in Onuigbo’s words. Tinubu isn’t just praised for poetic speeches on Democracy Day—his activism, governance history, and continued public rhetoric around democratic values justify the claim. What remains is examining specific praise from Onuigbo—and understanding how that shapes public perception and future democratic action.
Onuigbo’s Endorsement
Here’s where democracy praise meets real‑time politics. Rep. Samuel Onuigbo didn’t speak figuratively—he offered a clear, direct commendation of President Tinubu as a steadfast champion of June 12 democracy, grounded in both history and present action.
A Man on Record
Onuigbo—representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/South since 2015 and serving on a key Senate board—has a history of commemorating June 12 as a milestone. His past remarks in 2023 celebrated President Tinubu’s role in preserving democratic gains.
In June 2025 he expressly hailed Tinubu for upholding democratic values amid challenges. His endorsement tied to Tinubu’s planned participation in the joint National Assembly sitting, where fresh national honours are due.
Parsing the Praise
Even without a full transcript, the tone of Onuigbo’s remarks is clear:
Affirmation of legacy: He tied Tinubu’s leadership to decades of struggle—from NADECO activism to institutionalizing June 12 Democracy Day.
Contemporary validation: By endorsing Tinubu’s active role in the June 12 ceremony—including the National Assembly speech and honours—Onuigbo linked modern governance to democratic history.
Political resonance: Coming from a southern APC lawmaker, his voice carries weight. It suggests that the praise is rooted in policy alignment and shared reverence for democratic milestones.
Why It Matters
Legitimizing rhetoric: When a respected lawmaker frames Tinubu as an unwavering democratic force, it shifts the narrative from ceremonial tribute into political validation.
Building momentum: This praise arrives as Nigeria prepares to renew its democratic vows for 2025—shaping public expectation for governance, civic engagement, and accountability.
Creating contrast: Onuigbo’s voice stands amid mixed signals—activists calling for reforms, protest movements labeling some of Tinubu’s actions tyrannical. His support highlights both unity within APC ranks and the ongoing tension in Nigeria’s democracy.
Why This Matters Today
Let’s explore the timing and significance of democracy praise, especially coming from Rep. Onuigbo toward President Tinubu in 2025.
Timeliness: A Moment of National Reflection
June 12, 2025 marks 26 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria. Ahead of the joint National Assembly sitting and national honours, Onuigbo’s commendation served as recognition and a prelude to formal ceremonies.
Political Messaging: Solidarity and Institutional Trust
By praising Tinubu, Onuigbo—an APC lawmaker—signaled unity within the ruling party and tied legislative cooperation to democratic values, reinforcing institutional harmony under democratic norms.
Coupling Legacy with Legitimacy
Onuigbo’s endorsement doesn’t merely applaud Tinubu’s past activism—it ties that legacy to today’s governance. Democracy praise bolsters the narrative that democracy is preserved through both past struggle and present action.
Balancing Praise Amid Growing Critique
The praise arises amid nuanced public sentiment. Youth-led movements question government accountability. Onuigbo’s support reinforces an alternate narrative of leadership rooted in democratic history, acknowledging dissent while affirming achievements.
Shaping Public Perception and Civic Culture
When a respected lawmaker links governance with democratic legacy, it fosters civic respect for active citizenship, legislative oversight, and peaceful leadership transition. Praise may deepen trust in democratic institutions.
In essence, Onuigbo’s democracy praise is more than ceremonial. It’s rooted in legitimacy, unity, balance, and civic education, inviting reflection on Nigeria’s democratic progress and future.
Broader Implications
Let’s explore what Onuigbo’s praise means beyond ceremony—how it resonates through leadership, democracy, and Nigeria’s future.
Leadership Lessons: Praise Grounded in Action
Onuigbo’s words imply that democracy unmistakably thrives on leadership with integrity and courage. Tinubu’s history—from NADECO fight to progressive governance—shows that democracy praise isn’t just rhetorical, but reflects real‑world commitment. This reminds us: leadership requires enduring values, not only occasional gestures.
Parliamentary Endorsement: The Power of Institutional Trust
When a sitting lawmaker endorses the president’s democratic credentials, it’s more than polite; it signals institutional trust. For the public, this breeds confidence in democratic governance. It strengthens the bridge between legislature and executive—affirming that democracy gains stability when legislators publicly recognize leadership that upholds democratic values.
Navigating Democratic Contradictions
Praise arrives amid pressing concerns. Civil society groups are speaking out on shrinking civic space; numerous attacks on journalists have been recorded since 2023. Protesters such as the “Take It Back” movement and #EndBadGovernance have organized resistance on Democracy Day. This juxtaposition—Onuigbo’s praise against mounting dissent—reflects democracy’s inherent tension between celebration and critique. It underscores that praising democracy doesn’t erase responsibility to address its challenges.
Democracy as Ongoing Commitment
Acknowledging heroes and past struggles is vital, but democracy requires continuous renewal. Onuigbo’s praise isn’t a conclusion—it’s a cue. With discourse on reforms—like electoral transparency, press freedom, economic equity—the nation is reminded that maintaining democratic health needs active policy and civic engagement.
Implications for Civic Culture
Public democracy praise nurtures a culture of recognition—where citizens expect leaders to be accountable. It elevates public expectation: that power must come paired with integrity and service. Onuigbo’s commendation sends a message: democratic values are not optional—they are foundational and measurable.
Roadmap Ahead: Balancing Praise with Progress
For leaders: Praise must translate into action—protecting press freedom, reforming institutions, tackling corruption, easing economic strain.
For civil society: Praise doesn’t silence criticism—it invites active monitoring and advocacy where gaps persist.
For citizens: Democracy is participatory—your vote, voice, and vigilance matter in ensuring democracy praise is well‑placed.
Over the past sections, we’ve journeyed from the heartfelt democracy praise of June 12 to Tinubu’s unwavering pro‑democracy path and Onuigbo’s powerful endorsement. Now, let’s reflect on the broader resonance:
Commemorating 26 years of democracy
June 12, 2025 marks 26 years of uninterrupted civilian rule in Nigeria—a milestone that prompts both celebration and introspection. The Federal Government declared it a public holiday to renew commitment to truth, justice, peace, resilience, strength, courage, and hope.
Onuigbo’s praise as institutional affirmation
By deeming President Tinubu an unwavering champion of June 12 democracy, Rep. Onuigbo aligns legislative voice with national values. His praise anchors Tinubu’s leadership within a framework of historical legitimacy and proactive governance.
Balancing legacy and accountability
Democracy isn’t a trophy; it’s an ongoing undertaking. While Tinubu’s NADECO roots, governance reforms, public honours, and advocacy for civic freedoms are laudable, civil society, media, and citizens must continue to engage critically—ensuring democracy praise becomes performance.
A shared civic contract
Onuigbo’s message underscores an enduring truth: democratic leadership invites a pact between leaders and citizens. Praise matters—but so do policies that protect press freedom, ensure transparency, advance equity, and safeguard electoral integrity.
Onuigbo’s commendation of Tinubu is more than ceremonial—it’s a moment of national affirmation, a declaration of shared values, and a call to action. Moving forward, democracy praise must be earned through visible, sustained, democratic progress. Only then will June 12 reflect not just where Nigeria has been—but exactly where it is going.
