June 12 is a significant date in Nigeria's history, marking the country's Democracy Day. It commemorates the annulled presidential election of June 12, 1993, widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria's history. The election was won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, but it was canceled by the military regime led by General Ibrahim Babangida.

*The Significance of June 12:*

- *Democracy Day*: June 12 was officially declared Nigeria's Democracy Day in 2018, replacing May 29, which previously marked the country's transition to democracy in 1999.

- *MKO Abiola's Legacy*: Abiola's presumed victory in the 1993 election has become a symbol of Nigeria's struggle for democracy. His legacy continues to inspire Nigerians, and he was posthumously awarded the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), the nation's highest honor.

- *Struggle for Democracy*: The annulment of the election led to widespread protests, resistance, and a prolonged struggle for democracy. Many Nigerians paid the ultimate price for their fight for democracy, including Abiola himself, who died in detention in 1998 ¹ ².

*Celebrations and Reflections:*

- *Annual Commemoration*: June 12 is celebrated annually as Democracy Day, with events and lectures held across the country to reflect on Nigeria's democratic journey.

- *National Assembly Address*: President Bola Tinubu addressed a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12, 2025, marking the country's 26 years of uninterrupted democracy since 1999.

- *Calls for Democratic Renewal*: Some Nigerians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have used the occasion to call for democratic renewal, accountability, and an end to authoritarian tendencies in governance ³ ⁴.