June 12 and Nigeria’s Democratic Journey
By Fatima Ali Busuguma
Democracy which literary translates to rule by people, is a system of governance practiced by over a hundred countries of the world.
For some, democracy is about selective participation and representation, about access to power through electoral competition, which often translates into a winner-takes-all situation and the utilization of power to acquire the spoils of office.
For others, it is about representation and participation, but with the objective of equitable distribution of resources, fair play and justice, the institutionalization of the rule of law and empowerment.
It is additionally about equitable social provisioning, judicious sharing of the national revenues and the effective mobilization and utilization of societal resources, with accountability and good governance, responsive and responsible leadership and, thus, an antidote to corruption.
Until June 6, 2018, Democracy day was held annually on May 29 in Nigeria. The change from May 29 to June 12 according to former President Muhammadu Buhari was to celebrate Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola as well as honour the sacrifices of other Nigerians who fought for the return to democracy.
Democracy Day marks the day the military handed over power to an elected civilian government in 1999, marking the beginning of the longest continuous civilian rule since Nigeria’s independence from colonial rule in 1960.
It is a tradition that has been held annually, beginning in the year 2000. June 12 was formerly known as Abiola Day, celebrated in Nigeria.
The June 12, 1993 election is considered the freest and most peaceful election since Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
The counting process of the elections by the National Electoral Commission revealed a victory for MKO Abiola, as he already won 19 out of the 30 states, and the Federal Capital Territory.
However, the elections were annulled by Ibrahim Babaginda and no winner was declared. The annulment led to political unrest and several protests erupted across the country.
In June 1994, Abiola declared himself the President and Commander in chief, he was then arrested and charged with treason. On July 7, 1998, Abiola died while in detention on the day he was supposed to be released.
The end of military rule brought about a new era of regular elections, as well as civil liberties; freedom of the press, independent judiciary, the rule of law, checks and balances and the end of arbitrary arrests and torture associated with the military era.
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Democracy has played a vital role in the story of civilization, helping transform the world from power structures of monarchy, empire, and conquest into popular rule, self-determination, and peaceful co-existence.
Research shows that the number of African countries that have adopted democratic systems of government has grown since decolonisation, the collapse of communism and the ending of a number of civil wars.
Protecting the interests of citizens, people get the chance to vote on the key issues affecting their country or can elect representatives to make these decisions.
Following the return to civil rule in 1999, Nigeria has made some progress. For instance, for the first time in its political history, the country has enjoyed uninterrupted civil rule for 24 years so far.
In 2015, there was a transfer of power from one political party to another with the 2023 general elections interestingly bringing other parties into play; this was unprecedented in the country’s political history.
Sustainable democracy is an act of protecting and promoting the electoral rights of the people, democratic culture and values in a society. It is the process of development of all aspects of democracy and healthy democratic atmosphere for the interest of present and future generations.
To achieve sustainable democracy, we must understand that there is more to democracy than elections and voting. The fact that a nation chooses her leaders through the ballot box does not necessarily translate to democracy.
There are sovereignty of the people, majority rule and minority rights, building strong institutions of government, adhering to the rule of law, improving our electoral system, the rule of law and good governance, respect for civil and political rights, mass literacy, economic prosperity, social development, free press, and an independent judiciary; sustainable democracy is attainable when the conditions listed above are prevalent in the society.
Sustainable democracy implies thinking of the approach to resolve the root cause of anti-democratic behaviour by collaborating Information Communication Technology (ICT) and political education for the enlightenment of citizens on democratic culture and values to keep a healthy democratic practice in a society.
Therefore, Nigeria’s democracy can be sustained by a systematic process of changing the orientation and attitude of citizens and institutions of governance through continuous political education that will impact positively on democracy in a society.
Busuguma Ali is a serving corps member with PRNigeria and wrote in from Wuye, Abuja
