Tinubu Commends Buhari for Declaring June 12 as Democracy Day

Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially designating June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, describing the move as a courageous correction of historical injustice and a tribute to the Nigerian people’s democratic aspirations.

Addressing a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, as part of activities marking Democracy Day, President Tinubu acknowledged Buhari’s recognition of June 12 in honour of late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election.

“I pay tribute to my predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, for reaching back into history to rectify a national misdeed by making June 12 Democracy Day,” Tinubu stated.

He recalled that Buhari had also officially recognised Chief Abiola and his running mate, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, as the rightful winners of the 1993 election—widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest—nullified by the military regime at the time.

Tinubu, who played a prominent role in the 1990s pro-democracy movement, described the moment as emotional and reflective of the long struggle to secure civilian governance. He told lawmakers that stepping into the chamber brought a deep sense of fulfillment and resolve to uphold Nigeria’s democratic legacy.

“Democracy has risen from the ashes of military rule to take its rightful place as the only acceptable mode of governance for our resilient and beloved people,” he said.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to democratic principles, Tinubu pledged to honour the sacrifices of those who fought—and died—for freedom and justice.

“Since 2018, we have celebrated Democracy Day on June 12 to commemorate the men and women who risked all for our democratic rights,” Tinubu said. “Today, I stand before God and before you to pledge that I will do all within my power to build and protect our democracy, as divinely ordained.”

His remarks came as the nation reflected on the significance of the June 12 election, a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution that continues to inspire calls for transparency, justice, and good governance.

By Adeola Olaniya | June 12, 2025