As Nigeria gets ready to mark Democracy Day on June 12, Kola Abiola, the son of the late M.K.O. Abiola, is asking everyone to think about what this day truly means. He wants Nigerians to remember the people who stood for democracy, even when it was risky. His message is simple — respect the past and learn from it.

This blog will explain what happened on June 12, 1993, why it matters, and what Kola Abiola is saying today. We’ve kept the language clear so everyone — including our Indian readers — can easily understand the topic.

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What Happened on June 12, 1993?

On June 12, 1993, Nigeria held a presidential election that many people say was the most honest in the country’s history. M.K.O. Abiola, a businessman and politician, won the vote. But the military government at that time, led by General Ibrahim Babangida, cancelled the result.

This made many Nigerians angry. People came out on the streets. There were protests in different parts of the country. The fight for democracy got stronger.

M.K.O. Abiola was later arrested in 1994 when he declared himself the rightful president. Sadly, he died in detention in 1998.

June 12 became a symbol of struggle. It’s not just about an election — it’s about the fight for people’s right to vote and have their voices heard.

Why Is June 12 Now Democracy Day?

For a long time, Nigeria celebrate Democracy Day on May 29. But in 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari changed the date to June 12 to honour M.K.O. Abiola and the 1993 election. This move was praised by many who saw it as a way to respect the sacrifices made for democracy.

Since then, June 12 has been observed as a national public holiday. It reminds everyone about the fight to bring in civilian rule after years of military control.

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What Is Kola Abiola Saying?

Kola Abiola is M.K.O. Abiola’s eldest son. He has been speaking out in the days leading up to June 12. His message is not just about his father, but about everyone who played a part in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

He says Nigeria should not only remember his father but also other people who made sacrifices. These include:

Kudirat Abiola (M.K.O.’s wife), who was shot during a protest in 1996
Chief Alfred Rewane, a democracy supporter who was assassinated
Journalists and activists who were jailed, beaten, or even killed

Kola Abiola wants the government to create a national monument and an official list of those who fought for democracy. This would make sure their names are not forgotten.

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Why Is This Important for Young Nigerians?

Kola also points out that most Nigerians today are below the age of 45. This means many of them don’t remember the events of 1993. He believes the story of June 12 should be taught in schools so the younger generation can learn about what it took to achieve democracy.

According to him, many young people don’t know who M.K.O. Abiola was or what he stood for. He believes the government should include this history in textbooks. This way, students will know that freedom and democracy were not always there — people had to fight for it.

What About the Military Government’s Role?

Recently, former military president General Ibrahim Babangida released a memoir titled “A Journey in Service.” In it, he briefly talks about why he cancelled the 1993 election. He said there were pressures from inside and outside the government, but he didn’t name anyone.

Kola Abiola wasn’t happy with this. He said the book did not tell the full truth. He believes Nigerians deserve to know who made the decision and why. According to him, if the country wants to move forward, it must talk honestly about the past.

What Should Happen Now?

Kola Abiola is not asking for pity. He’s asking for respect and action. He believes the government should:

Build a national monument for democracy heroes
Publish the names of people who were arrested, killed, or forced to run away during the struggle
Include the story of June 12 in school textbooks

These steps, he says, will help Nigerians remember what democracy truly means. It will also honour those who stood up when things were not right.

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Final Thoughts

Democracy Day is more than just a holiday in Nigeria. It’s a reminder that people fought hard for the right to choose their leaders. Kola Abiola’s call is simple — don’t forget the past.

His message is not about politics alone. It’s about people, justice, and history. As Nigerians mark another June 12, it’s a time to remember the cost of freedom and the people who gave everything for it.

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Kola Abiola’s Message on Democracy Day: Why Nigeria Must Not Forget June 12