How Nigerians celebrated June 12 as Democracy Day, 27 years after the annulment of MKO Abiola’s mandate
Today marks the first time that June 12 will be celebrated as Democracy Day in Nigeria. This is coming 27 years after the presidential election which MKO Abiola was adjudged the winner in 1993 was annulled by the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida.
Having been under the brutality of successive military rule in the country, many Nigerians resonated with MKO Abiola’s ‘Hope 93’ campaign and voted for him. But his mandate was denied, leading to a pushback that would eventually have him arrested in 1994 by the regime of Nigerian military dictator, Sani Abacha.
MKO Abiola lost everything in his pursuit of democracy and justice. His wife was brutally murdered just a year after his arrest and he would later die of a heart attack in 1998 while still in detention. His death and that of other compatriots of the time became a catalyst to Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
Following his sacrifice, many Nigerians have been making efforts at recognizing and honouring his legacy which led to a move by former President Goodluck Jonathan to rename the University of Lagos after him in 2014. The move was not successful, as many stakeholders kicked against renaming the institution.
However, on June 6, 2018, President Buhari announced that June 12 would become the new Democracy Day in recognition of MKO Abiola’s victory in the annulled election of the same date in 1993. Buhari would later give the inaugural address for his second term on June 12, 2019, and went on to rename the National Stadium Abuja to Moshood Abiola National Stadium. The name change was unveiled today, June 12, 2020.
The shift to celebrating the Democracy Day on June 12 fully came into effect today and in a national address to commemorate the day, Buhari said that sustaining the country’s democracy has been a collective struggle.
“I congratulate all Nigerians and particularly leaders of our democratic institutions on their resilience and determination to ensure that Nigeria remains a shining example of democracy,” he said.
Though a historic day, the state of affairs in the country seems to overshadow the significance of celebrating the democracy day on June 12 in various parts of Lagos. The declaration of public holiday did not stop people from going about their businesses in various places across the state. All through Okota to Oshodi and Ikeja, the markets, junctions, and roads were extremely busy, despite the partial Coronavirus lockdown.
Stanley who spoke with Neusroom at Okota area, Isolo, Lagos believes that though celebrating MKO Abiola is commendable, the absence of the full dividend of democracy after many years makes it hard to celebrate the day as it should be. He argued that what happened to MKO Abiola back then could still happen today.
“Even today, the way we do election in Nigeria is zero. It’s a good thing that they are celebrating Abiola because he tried back then. But I don’t think that democracy has paid Nigerians. People are suffering too much and I’m not in the mood for celebration,” he said.
Echoing the same sentiment, Kennedy Everest said he’s indifferent about celebrating democracy day in Nigeria.
“What they did to him (Abiola) wasn’t good, but nobody knows if the country would have been better if they allowed him to rule. The issue is that I’m not interested in celebrating democracy day in Nigeria. What are we celebrating?” He demanded, sarcastically.
However, speaking at length with Neusroom at Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Mr. Michael Ijoma said celebrating June 12 in honour of MKO Abiola is like giving the democratic process a beautiful hope.
“If you ask me, I’ll say this is the real fighter. He’s the real person that fought for this democracy. All the people that are around, they are the beneficiaries. He laid down his life and he should be recognized. And the only way we can do it is to give him a day like this. Respect it and let people know when the next generation comes that there is a man that laid down his soul for the democracy that we are enjoying now,” he said.
“Back then it wasn’t that free during the military era, but this man came and refused to let go until he lost his life for it. So, it’s a commendable thing. We should always celebrate what’s worth celebrating.”
At the late MKO Abiola’s residence, many supporters and the press who gathered in anticipation of this year’s celebration were denied entry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat; Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosu and former Super Eagles player, Taribo West were at the residence.
Comrade Abiodun Mustapha who lost one of his legs during the June 12 protests in July 1993 said, “June 12, 2020, celebration is not how it used to be, it used to be very lively and elaborate, but this year we were not even allowed to go into his house that was free for all.
“My joy is that our struggle over the years has not been in vain and he has been recognised by the government after ceaseless clamouring.
“For us, MKO is not dead, he lives on, he can never die.”
Elsewhere on social media, the conversation around the democracy day was drowned with posts about insecurity in the country. Many Nigerians on Twitter went about condemning the senseless killings and violence in Nigeria as they celebrated the legacy of MKO Abiola.
“Today is the 27th anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential elections won by Chief M.K.O Abiola. Let’s not forget the labour of our past heroes #DemocracyDay,” Tolulope Oluwaniyi tweeted.
“Let not the labour of our heroes past be in vain, let’s uphold their legacy of courage, believe in a better Nigeria and unity. Together we can make #Nigeria great. Happy #DemocracyDay,” Akinola Dabiri shared.
