President Tinubu Commends Buhari for Recognizing June 12 as Democracy Day

Nigeria has a renewed sense of purpose after President Muhammadu Buhari's historic decision to recognize June 12 as the country's Democracy Day, a move that has been welcomed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The step was taken to correct a historical injustice and honor the will of the Nigerian people, particularly the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, who won the widely regarded fair presidential election in 1993 but was denied his right to govern. President Tinubu acknowledged the significant gesture in his address to the National Assembly, praising Buhari's commitment to upholding the truth of Nigeria's democratic journey.

Key Takeaways:

• President Tinubu commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for recognizing June 12 as Nigeria's Democracy Day, describing it as a bold step in correcting a historical injustice and honoring the will of the Nigerian people.
• President Buhari officially acknowledged Chief M.K.O. Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, as the winners of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was widely considered Nigeria's freest and fairest poll but was later annulled by the military regime.
• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's democracy and continuing the work of those who paid the ultimate price to restore civilian rule.
• Since 2018, Nigeria has celebrated Democracy Day on June 12 to commemorate the sacrifices of the men and women who fought for democratic rights.
• President Tinubu vowed to do all within his power to build and protect Nigeria's democracy, as the divine hand intends.

Statistics:

• 1993: The year in which the widely regarded fair presidential election was held, won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola but later annulled by the military regime.
• 2018: The year in which Nigeria began celebrating Democracy Day on June 12.

Sources:

• Address to a joint session of the National Assembly to mark Democracy Day (No specific date mentioned)