President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to remain committed to the ideals and sacrifices of June 12, calling it a symbol of unity, courage, and the enduring strength of democracy in Nigeria.
Addressing a joint session of the National Assembly in commemoration of Democracy Day 2025, President Tinubu paid tribute to the men and women who laid down their lives and liberty in pursuit of democratic freedom following the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
“Since 2018, we have celebrated Democracy Day on this day; to commemorate the sacrifices of the men and women who fought to restore democratic governance to Nigeria,” Tinubu stated, recalling the pivotal recognition of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and his running mate Babagana Kingibe as rightful victors of that election.
The president emphasized that June 12 is not merely a date but a reminder of Nigeria’s collective journey from military tyranny to democratic governance.
“Year by year, election after election, every time we debate instead of battle, discuss instead of fight, and argue instead of destroy, we preserve the institutions of democracy,” he said.
In a symbolic gesture of national recognition, Tinubu announced the conferment of national honours on dozens of democracy icons—both living and deceased—including Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane, Gani Fawehinmi, Bagauda Kaltho, and Ken Saro-Wiwa. He also granted posthumous pardons to members of the Ogoni Nine and other political prisoners.
“These names represent the universality of our pursuit of democracy,” he said. “The struggle was never the province of any one group or section of the country, it was pan-Nigerian in its conception and will be even more pan-Nigerian as we strive to perfect it.”
The president used the occasion to reflect on the resilience of Nigeria’s democracy, crediting the National Assembly for its historical role in protecting constitutional order, especially during the turbulent years that followed the June 12 annulment.
He also strongly dismissed fears of a one-party state under his leadership, reaffirming his commitment to a multiparty democracy.
“Look at my political history. I would be the last person to advocate such a scheme,” he declared. “A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be.”
President Tinubu closed his address with a passionate reminder that Nigeria’s democracy, while imperfect, remains a beacon of hope.
“Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive. And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.”
As the nation marks 26 years of unbroken democratic rule, the president’s Democracy Day message served as a powerful call to action—to protect, deepen, and honour the legacy of June 12 for future generations.
