Nigeria’s Democracy at a Crossroads: June 12 Legacy, Economic Struggles, and Political Tensions in 2025
June 12 has become a pivotal symbol in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. Marking the anniversary of the annulled 1993 presidential election—widely viewed as the fairest in the nation’s history—Democracy Day is now observed annually to honor the sacrifices of heroes like Chief MKO Abiola and to reflect on the progress made since the return to civilian rule in 1999. In 2025, the celebration is both a reminder of hard-fought democratic victories and a spotlight on the pressing challenges threatening the nation’s political and economic stability. Democracy Day 2025: Commemoration and Reflection The Federal Government declared June 12, 2025, a public holiday, celebrating 26 years of uninterrupted civilian governance. Instead of delivering the traditional nationwide broadcast, President Bola Tinubu addressed a joint session of the National Assembly, signaling a more institutional tone for the occasion. While key events such as public lectures held in Abuja continued, the absence of a natio...