June 12, 1993, marked a significant event in Nigeria’s history—the presidential election that was widely regarded as the country’s fairest and freest election. However, the election was annulled by military fiat, leading to a prolonged struggle for democracy. On the occasion of Democracy Day, several prominent Nigerians have emphasized the need to use the lessons of June 12 to drive Nigeria’s development in various aspects.
Elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark, General Babangida, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate), Mr. Peter Obi (Labour Party’s counterpart), and former Minister of Information Professor Jerry Gana, among others, have highlighted the importance of learning from the June 12 election to advance Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development.
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the June 12 election, the June 12 Movement of Nigeria, in collaboration with labor and civil society groups, will organize a national democracy dialogue. The dialogue, themed “June 12, 30 Years After and the 2023 Elections Controversies: The Way Out for Nigeria,” will feature speakers such as Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, Professor Pat Utomi, Mr. Femi Falana, and other notable individuals.
Furthermore, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will deliver an address at the residence of MKO Abiola, lay a wreath at Abiola’s grave, and participate in other commemorative activities.
In his broadcast, President Bola Tinubu emphasized the significance of June 12 and the struggle for democracy. He called on Nigerians to never take democracy for granted and highlighted the need for a vibrant judiciary that upholds justice and strengthens institutions. Tinubu also expressed his commitment to delivering democracy dividends, such as transportation infrastructure, education, power supply, healthcare, and other public utilities, to improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
General Babangida urged Nigerian leaders to explore the gains of the June 12 election to deepen democracy in the country. He emphasized the importance of credible elections, unity among Nigerians despite cultural and religious differences, and the need to address issues such as thuggery and voter apathy.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called for a commitment to fairness in election conduct and the avoidance of election outcomes influenced by incumbent political officeholders. He emphasized the need to make Nigerian democracy self-sustaining and independent of anti-democratic elements.
Mr. Peter Obi highlighted the significance of June 12 as a day that symbolized Nigeria’s collective choice for true democracy. He called for a return to the virtues that make a nation truly democratic and emphasized the troubled state of Nigerian politics, urging efforts to rescue and strengthen democracy.
These prominent Nigerians and activists are using the occasion of June 12 to reflect on the importance of democracy, address current challenges, and work towards a better Nigeria. Their calls for fair elections, good governance, social and economic justice, and the protection of democratic principles are crucial for driving Nigeria’s development and ensuring a brighter future for the country.