President Muhammadu Buhari has cited several explanations for the Federal Government’s decision to move Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12.
To commemorate the late MKO Abiola, Buhari stated his government changed Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12.
He emphasised that Abiola and other heroes gave their lives in order to give birth to a new Nigeria.
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On Sunday, the President made the announcement during a nationwide broadcast commemorating 2022 Democracy Day.
Nigeria’s freedom and unity, Buhari stated, should be celebrated on Democracy Day.
‘From 1999, we consistently celebrated Democracy Day to mark the end of military rule and the return of power and control into the hands of those freely elected by the people. On this day, Nigerians recommit themselves to ensuring we protect and preserve the ideals of democracy, Buhari expressed.’
‘In 2018, we moved Democracy Day from 29th of May to the 12th of June. This change was to remind all Nigerians of one free election after which the presumed winner along with Nigerians were denied their rights and their choice.
‘On June 12th 1993, Nigerians saw the best in our citizens as we all went out to vote peacefully. By June 24th 1993, we also saw the worst of our leadership as the elections were annulled.’
‘We must never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy during 1993.’
President Buhari stated that Nigerians should be guided by the patriotism and peaceful struggle of MKO Abiola and other historical heroes when choosing leaders and holding them accountable in 2023.
Since 1999, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo took control from the military, Democracy Day has been observed on May 29.
That adjusted in 2018, when the current administration re-examined the date and decided to move it to June 12.
