The Democracy Day national honours awarded to 67 Nigerians by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for their heroic deeds in the campaigns to recover the June 12, 1993 presidential election is a commensurate measure to acknowledge the heroics of democracy activists and pro-June 12 advocates. The awards are commendable while the recipients are well-deserving of them. That election, won by the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, otherwise known as MKO, marked a watershed in the country’s political history. But the military regime headed by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida annulled the election. Campaigns by pro-democracy activists to get the election de-annulled validate failed under the late Gen. Sani Abacha, after he incarcerated Abiola and visited mayhem on the country. Many activists were martyred by the military and others had their property and businesses destroyed. Some fled the country and became refugees for the number of years Abacha reigned.

Twenty-six years after the restoration of democracy, it is indeed a remarkable gesture on the part of the Tinubu Presidency to acknowledge and celebrate the noble and selfless sacrifices made by those who stood for June 12; those who confronted Abacha’s murderous soldiers with bare hands but stoic resolve not to trade away the mandate. The honours are a testimony that no matter how long, those who serve and toil for society are never forgotten.

In his 2025 Democracy Day address to the Joint session of the National Assembly on June 12, 2025, Tinubu recalled the sacrifices made by these Nigerians in their quest to promote democratic rule. He said: “While Chief MKO Abiola is June 12’s central figure, we must not forget the long list of those who equally deserve to be called heroes of Nigerian democracy. We must celebrate the courage of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, both of whom were murdered by agents of military repression. We also remember the many civil rights activists, journalists and politicians imprisoned, exiled, tossed aside, tortured and beaten by the military regime…”

The President went on to remember Chief Anthony Enahoro, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Ayo Adebanjo, Gani Fawehinmi, Balabrabe Musa, Ganiyu Dawodu, Bagauda Kaltho and Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu. No doubt, these and other Nigerians deserve recognition for championing democracy. It is important that their sacrifices were not in vain, particularly for those who paid the ultimate price. The award cannot bring back life lost. Neither does it compensate for the material losses suffered by victims. But the symbolism of the recognition is immense. Nigerians are happy that it is victory at last for the country and for democracy.

Reflecting on the democratic journey since 1999, President Tinubu said: “Let us rededicate ourselves to the ideals of June 12; freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice, active citizen participation and a just society where no one is oppressed…”

It is important that these ideals are demonstrated in both the politics and governance of the country and internalised by the political class. Without the ideals of freedom and justice, democracy cannot function optimally. There must be freedom for Nigerians to participate and exercise their democratic rights.

The June 12 struggle is about the people’s electoral freedom to elect leaders that have passion and commitment to serve. Going forward, let there be no obstacles to free and fair elections. Let the votes count and let INEC exercise their independence in the management of elections and the judiciary be unfettered in adjudicating on election disputes. Allowing free and fair elections is the surest way to acknowledge the sacrifices of June 12.

Nigerians can do with a lot more accountability in government. Rather, they see profligacy and waste, over-bloated bureaucracy and corruption in government. We do not see social justice. Instead, we see oppression, as millions of citizens live in poverty in the midst of plenty. That is not the spirit of June 12. Nigerians fought for an egalitarian society where there is fairness and equality of opportunities and treatment for all citizens. Unfortunately, democracy has enthroned a tiny class of elite opportunists against a mass of impoverished citizens. That is unacceptable and must be corrected without delay. Government should seek to deepen democracy through practical steps to ensure inclusion.

The list of honorees is impressive, but it is by no means exhaustive. There are hundreds of other Nigerians who fought for June 12 and equally deserve recognition, but are so far not acknowledged. It is to be appreciated however that official recognition of June 12 democracy heroes will be done periodically, rather than once-and-for-all. Many heroes remain unsung, not because their roles for justice were less, but because many were not even known by any names. Take the hundreds of young Nigerians who defied soldiers’ bullets to demonstrate against annulment of June 12 election, or restoration of the election result. Many such patriots were killed in cold blood while protesting along major highways in Lagos and other states.

The Tinubu list notably contained many errors of omission or commission. It is important that due diligence is applied next time, to make the exercise more inclusive and to avoid unforced errors.

It is recommended that something of a Cenotaph to commemorate June 12 can be built, to give a deserving roll call to all pro-democracy activists who associated with and made sacrifices for June 12. Similar cenotaphs may be erected for others who championed the course of independence for the country. Everyone who has played a role to uplift Nigeria deserves to be recognized and appreciated. That will encourage others to do more to make Nigeria great.