The commemoration of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day in 2023 was marked by a sense of foreboding and disappointment. President Bola Tinubu’s decision to reschedule official celebrations amid calls for protests against hardship and governance failures led to a subdued national response—many citizens ignored the holiday, and no major rallies occurred.
In a speech to Nigeria’s National Assembly, Tinubu highlighted the progress of democracy, emphasizing his personal sacrifices and distancing his administration from fears of a one-party state, affirming Nigeria’s political diversity.
However, critics, including SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate Adebayo Adewole, dismissed the celebration as superficial until issues like poverty and hunger are addressed. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar lamented the erosion of democratic gains, condemning Nigeria’s drift toward authoritarianism and economic mismanagement, describing current governance as conquest rather than true democracy.
The overall tone reflected a nation grappling with the legacy of June 12 and the challenges of safeguarding its democratic future.
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