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Jonathan Says June 12 Changed Nigeria’s History

President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday said that June 12, a day late Mashood Abiola won Nigeria’s freest and fairest election 20 years ago has changed … Continue reading Jonathan Says June 12 Changed Nigeria’s History


President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday said that June 12, a day late Mashood Abiola won Nigeria’s freest and fairest election 20 years ago has changed the history of the country for good.

The election was declared Nigeria’s freest and fairest presidential election by national and international observers, with the late Abiola even winning in his Northern opponent’s home state.

However, the election was annulled by Ibrahim Babangida, a political crisis that ensued which led to General Sani Abacha seizing power later that year.

Speaking shortly after inaugurating the chairman and members of the re-constituted Police Service Commission, President Jonathan said June 12 was a unique day in the nation.

The President said although the Federal Government has yet to recognise the day as public holiday, some state governments.

There have been calls from prominent Nigerians urging the Federal Government to recognize June 12 as the nation’s democracy Day as against May 29th.

Below are two films of the fallout of the June 12 1993 Presidential election: