President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for his pivotal move to officially designate June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, describing it as a powerful gesture of reconciliation and justice.
Speaking during a special address to a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday in commemoration of Democracy Day, Tinubu lauded Buhari for taking the bold step to right a long-standing wrong in Nigeria’s political history.
Tinubu highlighted Buhari’s recognition of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, and his formal acknowledgment of Chief M.K.O. Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, as the rightful victors.
He said, “President Buhari made a profound choice to confront our democratic history and restore truth to the national record. By recognising June 12 as Democracy Day, he affirmed the people’s will and honoured those who fought for our freedom.”
Reflecting on his personal connection to the democracy movement, Tinubu became emotional as he addressed lawmakers.
“As I stepped into this revered chamber, I was overwhelmed by a sense of duty and gratitude,” he told them.
He recalled the era of military dictatorship and how Nigeria’s democracy survived and strengthened despite repeated suppression.
“Our democracy, once trampled by military boots, has risen resiliently to become the cornerstone of our governance,” Tinubu said.
Pledging continued commitment to democratic values, Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration would preserve the legacy of those who laid the foundation for the country’s democratic journey.
“Since 2018, we have marked June 12 to honour those who stood against tyranny. Today, I renew my vow before God and the Nigerian people: I will do everything in my power to defend and deepen our democracy,” he declared.
Once associated with grief and resistance, June 12 has now become a symbol of Nigeria’s democratic triumph, observed nationwide to commemorate the historic 1993 election, an election still hailed as the most transparent in the nation’s history, yet annulled under the military rule of General Ibrahim Babangida.
