Olusegun Adeyemo
Former Nigeria Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, has called for June 12 to be officially recognised as MKO Abiola Day, rather than being celebrated as Democracy Day.
In a telephone interview with Journal Nigeria Correspondent, Dr. Farounbi argued that the current political climate in Nigeria does not reflect the principles of true democracy.
He maintained that many of the fundamental features of a democratic system are still absent in the country.
“June 12 ought to be called MKO Abiola Day, not Democracy Day, and the reason is that we do not have any democracy in Nigeria,” he stated.
Dr. Farounbi stressed that June 12 should serve as a day to honor Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, whose personal sacrifice symbolized the nation’s long and painful road toward democratic governance.
According to him, the focus should remain on Abiola’s legacy rather than celebrating a system that is yet to be fully realized.
“The significance of June 12 lies in Abiola’s personal sacrifice and pivotal role in Nigeria’s democratic journey,” he said. “It should not be generalized as a celebration of democracy that does not yet exist in full.”
Dr. Farounbi also highlighted the historical importance of June 12, 1993, the day Nigerians participated in what is widely considered the freest and fairest presidential election in the country’s history.
MKO Abiola, who emerged as the presumed winner, was later denied his mandate when the election was annulled by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.
The annulment sparked nationwide protests and became a rallying point for pro-democracy activists. Abiola was later arrested and died in detention on July 7, 1998, under suspicious circumstances.