JUNE 12 – KEEPING DATE WITH HISTORY

June 12th in Nigeria is celebrated as Democracy Day. It commemorates the annulled 1993 presidential election, which is widely regarded as the fairest and freest election in Nigeria’s history. The presumed winner, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, was denied victory when the results were annulled by the then military government led by General Ibrahim Babangida.

In recognition of the significance of June 12th and to honor the memory of MKO Abiola and the struggle for democracy, the Nigerian government officially declared it as Democracy Day in 2018, replacing May 29th, which was previously observed as Democracy Day. This change was made under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. The day is marked with various events, speeches, and celebrations to reflect on Nigeria’s journey towards democratic governance.