June 12: More Than a Holiday — A Wake-Up Call for Nigeria’s Democracy -By Yasir Shehu Adam

Today, Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule. But instead of celebration, this should be a moment of serious reflection. What exactly are we celebrating? Unkept promises? Worsening insecurity? Endless corruption? A broken economy? Weak institutions?

It’s painful to see some Nigerians cheer on government failure as though it were success. Democracy is not just about holding elections every four years. It is not about colourful campaigns, changing presidents, or switching parties. True democracy means justice, accountability, freedom, and service to the people.

Abraham Lincoln once described democracy as “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” But in Nigeria, democracy has been reduced to a loud performance—full of noise, but empty in results. The same recycled politicians rotate power like a game of football: military boots become agbadas, but the suffering continues. No new ideas. No genuine progress.

Since independence in 1960, Nigerians have held on to hope. We believed that democracy would give power back to the people. We dreamed of fairness, growth, and opportunity. But today, it feels more like what Fela Kuti once called “a demonstration of craze.”

Elections are still rigged. Votes are bought. Results are manipulated. Even in the 2023 elections, despite the use of BVAS and other technologies, we saw chaos, violence, and fraud. Peaceful protesters were beaten and arrested. The same rights MKO Abiola fought and died for are now under attack.

Security agencies are used to harass critics instead of protecting the people. Court orders are ignored with no consequences. This is not democracy—it’s dictatorship in disguise.

A true democracy protects the freedom of the press. But in Nigeria, journalists are arrested, media houses are threatened, and social media users are monitored and censored. The government has even tried to pass laws to control online speech. Is this what Abiola died for?

If our leaders truly respect the meaning of June 12, they should not just make speeches or rename streets. They should practice the values June 12 stands for. Naming a road after MKO Abiola while jailing citizens for speaking out is not democracy—it is hypocrisy.

Let me speak about Bauchi State, my home. Here, many people are scared to speak their minds. Respected leaders like Baba Waziri Bello Kirfi and Hon. Yakubu Shehu Abdullahi have had their traditional titles stripped—just because of political differences. Is this democracy?

Where are the promises made to the people? The Yelwan Makaranta–Lushi Road is still a disaster. Education and healthcare are suffering. Instead of government action, we only hear of donations from individuals like Bala Wunti and Sen. Shehu Buba Umar. Where is the government?

Schools are falling apart. Hospitals lack basic supplies. Civil servants struggle. Young people are jobless. Is this the democracy we were promised?

It’s Not Too Late — But We Must Act Now

If we truly want to fix Nigeria, we need real action, not just slogans and ceremonies. Here’s how:
What Government Must Do:

Reform Elections: Use full electronic voting to stop rigging. Set up an Electoral Offences Commission to punish those who break the rules.

Make INEC Truly Independent: Remove political influence from INEC. Let it work freely and fairly.

Strengthen the Judiciary: Stop interfering in court cases. Give the judiciary full control over its finances.

Protect Free Press and Civil Society: End the use of laws like the Cybercrime Act to silence critics. Defend the rights of journalists and whistleblowers.

Ensure Local Government Autonomy: President Tinubu has made some moves—he must now follow through fully to empower local councils.

Transparency in Constituency Projects: Force lawmakers to publicly show how they spend constituency funds. Build platforms for citizens to track projects.

What Citizens Must Do:

Vote Wisely: Don’t vote for rice and wrappers. Research candidates. Vote for competence, not religion or tribe.

Use Technology for Good: Use social media to expose corruption and demand change.

Hold Politicians Accountable: Attend town halls. Ask questions. Demand results. Politicians work for you.

Support Independent Media: Read and share investigative journalism. Protect the truth-tellers.

Join or Support Civil Groups: Join student unions, NGOs, or activist groups. Collective voices are powerful.

Demand Transparency: Use the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to ask how public money is spent.

A Day of Resistance, Not Just Remembrance

June 12 is not just a public holiday. It is a symbol of struggle, a reminder that democracy must be defended every day. It is about MKO Abiola, yes—but it is also about you and me. About all of us who want a better Nigeria.

To those in government: Stop repeating the words of June 12. Start living them. Respect the people’s rights. Deliver on your promises.

To the citizens: June 12 must not be a day of rest—it must be a day of resistance. Reflect. Organize. Demand better. Nigeria deserves more than elections—we deserve justice, dignity, and leadership that works for all.

Yasir Shehu Adam (Dan Liman) Young journalist and writer from Bauchi.