June 12: The Day Nigeria Held Its Breath

Some dates feel like footnotes in history. Others echo like thunder. June 12, 1993, is one of those days.It was more than just an election. It was the first real taste of democracy after years of military regimes, coups, and broken promises. For the first time in what felt like forever, Nigerians lined up not out of fear—but out of hope.The atmosphere was electric. Men, women, the young, the old—all stood under the sun, casting their votes in what would later be described as Nigeria’s freest, fairest, and most peaceful election. At the heart of it all was Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola—M.K.O.—a wealthy businessman, philanthropist, and symbol of national unity. Even though he was a southern Muslim, his popularity cut across religion, region, and class lines. He ran under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and was widely loved for his humility, generosity, and promise to restore dignity to ordinary Nigerians.And guess what? He won.But before Nigerians could even celebrate, the result was annulled. By none other than General Ibrahim Babangida, the military Head of State at the time. No reason that made sense was given. Just silence, power games, and a total disregard for the people’s choice.It was a national heartbreak. Protests erupted. Journalists were silenced. Activists disappeared. Abiola, defiant and brave, declared himself the rightful president in 1994. The response? He was arrested—and kept in detention for four solid years.On July 7, 1998, just when hope for his release was rising… he died in custody. Many Nigerians still believe he was murdered. The exact cause? A mystery. Another shadow in a country already battling the dark. But June 12 would not be erased.It lived on—in hearts, in protests, in classrooms, and eventually, in policy. In 2018, after decades of resistance and national outcry, President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as Nigeria’s official Democracy Day, finally replacing the less meaningful May 29. So what is June 12, really? It’s not just a date on a calendar. It’s the scar that reminds us that democracy isn’t just about elections—it’s about justice. It’s about truth. It’s about memory. And most importantly, it’s about holding power accountable, even when power doesn’t want to be questioned. Today, June 12 is a day of sober reflection—for what was lost, what was stolen, and what we’re still fighting for.So ask yourself this, and really think about it:👉🏾 If democracy can be delayed, denied, or destroyed—what are we doing today to make sure it’s protected tomorrow? Thanks for reading<a class="tc-blue external-link external-link" href="https://twocents.space/insights/tag/alo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Alo</a>

Other insights from Esther Alo