June 12: A Democracy Day Shrouded in Discontent and Protest
By Daniel Okonkwo
Today, June 12, 2025, was meant to be a national celebration marking the 26th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria. Instead, it has unfolded as a solemn reminder of unfulfilled promises, deepening hardship, and growing disenchantment among citizens. This year’s Democracy Day has been eclipsed not by fanfare and national pride but by cancellations, public outrage, and coordinated protests across the country.
The historical significance of June 12 lies in its roots. It commemorates the annulled 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola. In 2018, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari officially declared June 12 as Democracy Day, replacing the previously celebrated May 29. The move aimed to recognize the democratic sacrifice of Abiola and the broader struggle for civil rule in a country once dominated by military juntas.
Yet, 26 years into Nigeria’s democratic journey, Nigerians are still grappling with the very injustices democracy was meant to abolish. Instead of celebration, many Nigerians find themselves buried deep in economic hardship, insecurity, and a shrinking civic space. The ideals of democratic governance—freedom, accountability, equal rights, and inclusive development—seem increasingly out of reach.
This year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu canceled the traditional military parade originally scheduled for June 12. A statement by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, attributed the decision to the President’s scheduled attendance at a joint session of the National Assembly. This development has further fueled public frustration, especially as the country marks a day meant to symbolize the triumph of democracy.
It is a bitter irony. President Tinubu, once a prominent figure in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle during the military dictatorship of the 1990s, now faces accusations of presiding over policies that have marginalized the very people he once fought for. Many Nigerians feel that his administration has failed to learn from the mistakes of its predecessors and that its economic and security policies have only worsened the plight of ordinary citizens.
In a nation blessed with abundant resources, over two decades of democratic rule have yielded disappointing outcomes: widespread poverty, high unemployment, decaying infrastructure, and the unchecked looting of public funds. Policies intended to promote growth and development have either been misapplied, poorly designed, or enforced with little consultation from key stakeholders.
Wrong-headed policy decisions—ranging from fuel subsidy removals to floating the naira without adequate safety nets—have triggered inflationary spirals and deepened poverty. These challenges are compounded by insecurity, banditry, and the daily fear of violence, which affect even the most basic activities like farming, commuting, and education.
Nigerians never begged for freedom—they fought for it. And they will continue to fight, peacefully but fearlessly, until this country works for all.
Reflecting this resolve, the #TakeItBackMovement has organized coordinated protests across 20 Nigerian states under the banner of resistance to hardship, insecurity, and suppression of free speech. Their protests are not just against a single administration, but a system that continually fails to serve the people.
According to the movement’s national coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, protesters in Abuja will gather at Eagle Square from 8:00 a.m. In Lagos, rally points have been designated at Badagry, Maryland, Agbara, and Toll Gate, all starting from 7:00 a.m. Other locations include:
Ondo State: Cathedral Junction, Akure – 8:00 a.m.
Edo State: Museum Ground, Benin City – 9:00 a.m.
Niger State: Gida Matasa – 8:00 a.m.
Yobe State: Maiduguri Bypass Roundabout, Damaturu – 7:30 a.m.
Oyo State: Mokola Roundabout, Ibadan – 8:00 a.m.
Bauchi State: Yelewam Makaranta – 8:00 a.m.
Osun State: Olaiya Junction, Osogbo
Delta State: Multiple venues including Amukpe Roundabout (Sapele), Summit and Koka Junctions (Asaba), Otovwodo Junction (Ughelli), PTI and DSC Roundabouts (Warri), and Police Station Junction (Abraka)
Democracy, by its very definition, places power in the hands of the people. It is sustained by regular, free, and fair elections, and enforced by a clear and independent legal system that applies to all, including those in power. But in Nigeria’s current reality, the promise of democracy has been hijacked by a political elite that seems more concerned with personal gain than national progress.
Today should be a time of reflection—not celebration. A time to ask hard questions about where we have come from and where we are heading. How far have we truly come since 1999? Have our lives improved? Have our freedoms expanded? Has our democracy been delivered?
Democracy Day must not become a hollow tradition marked by speeches and parades that do not reflect the lived realities of Nigerians. It must serve as a mirror, forcing the nation to confront uncomfortable truths. Above all, it must be a call to action—an opportunity for citizens to reclaim the democratic ideals for which they fought.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who once stood with the people in the darkest days of military rule, must now choose whether to lead with the same courage and conviction—or be remembered as a leader who abandoned the people in their hour of greatest need.
One of my in-laws once told me that "politics is a game where your interest and loyalty lie in what you can gain for your family—that the sole purpose is to put food on the table for your own." This mindset, he argued, justifies self-centeredness. But it is precisely this selfish orientation that has brought Nigeria to its knees. Our conversation revealed a hard truth: some people will never change, and they lack the spirit or intention to solve problems in society, even if given the opportunity. That, perhaps, is the root of our national decay.
Daniel Okonkwo is a writer, policy analyst, and advocate for democratic accountability and human rights in Nigeria.
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