President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially declaring June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day. Speaking at the joint session of the National Assembly during the Democracy Day celebrations, Tinubu described Buhari’s decision as a meaningful correction of a national injustice and a strong acknowledgment of the Nigerian people’s democratic choice.
The President reflected on the importance of honouring the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, whose victory in the June 12, 1993 presidential election was widely regarded as the fairest in Nigeria’s history but later annulled by the military regime. Tinubu highlighted Buhari’s role in publicly recognising Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, as the rightful winners of that election.
He shared that walking into the National Assembly filled him with emotion, pride, and determination. Tinubu, who was deeply involved in the pro-democracy movement during the military era, called the annual celebration of June 12 a reminder of Nigeria’s journey from military rule to democracy. He emphasised that democracy is now firmly established as the only acceptable form of governance for the Nigerian people.
He reassured lawmakers and citizens of his commitment to protect the democratic system and build on the efforts of those who fought to restore civilian rule. Since 2018, Democracy Day has been celebrated on June 12, and Tinubu pledged to uphold its significance and continue defending the democratic values it represents.
As the country marked another anniversary of the June 12 election, Tinubu’s remarks echoed the lasting impact of that moment in shaping Nigeria’s democratic history.
