Nigeria marks Democracy Day on June 12, a day etched into the national consciousness as a powerful testament to unity, sacrifice and democratic values. This date honours the courage and vision behind the 1993 annulled election, recognised as Nigeria’s freest and fairest.

On June 12, 1993, about 14 million Nigerians braved inclement weather, hardship and divides across religion, class, and ethnicity to exercise their freewill to vote in record numbers. Chief MKO Abiola’s victory became a symbol of democratic aspiration, until the then military regime led by Ibrahim Babangida annulled the widely celebrated election. The aftermath were nationwide protests, repression, and anation that took decades in healing. Indeed, it is debatable whether Nigeria has moved from the damage the annulment inflicted on the national psyche.

A day of remembering

Fast-forward to June 12, 2025, and Nigerians across the nation pause to reflect, some in quiet prayers, while others in full celebration. Although the usual fanfare that ensue every June 12 did not take place this year, President Bola Tinubu, marking the 26th year of uninterrupted civilian rule, reminded Nigerians this morning in his address that democracy demands humility, transparency and respect for dissent. “Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive. And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for,” he said.

Unity in division

What makes June 12 powerful is not nostalgia; it is the present day pride of Nigerian diversity. Throughout the country today, many seminars and civic forums explore themes like youth leadership, women in governance and digital democracy. Civil society organisations, student unionsand activists are debating solutions to youth unemployment, civic education, and ballot integrity.

In Lagos, NGOs organised Democracy Walks in the spirit of unity and possibility. On social media, hashtags like #June12,#DemocracyDay, and #OurHeroMKOAbiola are trending, highlighting historical quotes and civic pledges.

Also Read: Yesterday & Today: This week in June 1996 trying to keep democracy alive in Nigeria

Today’s activities also include forums on election technology, including Nigeria’s successful pilot of Biometric Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS) in 2023. While praised for eliminating electoral abuse, the tool still needs broader rollout and trust-building. That is the kind of honest scrutiny June 12 encourages, not cynicism, but constructive engagement.

Building forward together

So, what difference does Democracy Day make in 2025?

In truth, more than ever. Citizens from every corner of the country are turning remembrance into action. They are signing petitions to strengthen election monitoring laws. and volunteering for voter education drives. They are also mentoring young girls interested in politics.

The energy is visible. Lagos’s biggest youth-led civic clinic, Democracy 365, reported double its usual attendance at its Vote Ready workshop today. In Abuja, proto-parliament style youth assemblies voiced resolutions urging the National Assembly to fast-track a digital voter roll reform.

Why it mattered, and still does

At its core, June 12 is a reminder to Nigeria that democracy was born in collective resistance and renewed resolve. It was not handed over, it was demanded. It was not a party power but a peoples’ power and today, Nigerians do not just celebrate, they vote with the values of justice, equality, civic courage and unity in their individual differences. June 12 has gone far beyond being a date in Nigeria’s calendar. It is a movement and the long progress that moves through every ballot, every policy reform and citizen’s voice.

In his speech, President said the celebration is not a pat on the back, (but) is a reminder to serve, and a promise to do better.

As Nigeria pauses, takes a deep breath and reflect on the significance of June 12, it then becomes more than a holiday. It is a collective promise: to protect the votes, value their neighbours, and hold leaders accountable.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria.

Anita Chinedu