Recognise and Honour June 12 Martyrs, Groups Urge President Tinubu

A coalition of civil society groups has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to formally recognise the activists and martyrs of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, and to erect a monument in honour of the unsung heroes of the struggle—described as Nigeria’s "unknown soldiers."

Comrade Razaq Olokoba, Convener of the Defend Nigeria Movement (DNM) and Nigeria's Unite for Democracy (NUD), made the appeal during a World Press Conference held on Thursday in Ikeja, Lagos, as part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day.

DNM and NUD—coalitions comprising civil society organisations, non-governmental bodies, and public interest groups—organised the event to mark both Democracy Day and the 32nd anniversary of the landmark June 12 election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, and won by the late Chief MKO Abiola.

In his address, Comrade Olokoba saluted the resilience and determination of the Nigerian people, commending their enduring faith in democracy despite numerous challenges and provocations. He urged citizens to remain steadfast, even in the face of attempts by opportunists to trivialise their hardships for political gain.

He specifically criticised the politicisation of economic hardship through what he termed the "ebi n pawa" (Yoruba for “we are hungry”) narrative, which he described as both a political slogan and a tool of blackmail.

The conference, themed “32 Years After: The Need for Recognition of the Coalition of June 12 Activists and Martyrs by President Bola Tinubu,” highlighted the symbolic importance of June 12 as a unifying force in Nigeria’s political history.

“June 12 has become a symbol of national unity and collective consciousness,” Olokoba said. “It illustrates our ability as Nigerians to rally around shared values and ideology, despite our differences.”

He further noted: “The annulment of the June 12 election marked not only a turning point in our democratic evolution but also symbolised our national resilience, political awareness, and commitment to self-determination. This event has inspired an entire body of literature and remains a key chapter in Nigeria’s democratic history.”

Commending former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially declaring June 12 as a national public holiday, Olokoba acknowledged the move as a significant step in affirming the date’s place in the national consciousness. However, he stressed the need for President Tinubu’s administration to build upon that legacy.

“The June 12 struggle signified a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, epitomising resistance to military dictatorship and the yearning for good governance,” he said. “Three decades on, the courage and determination that defined that period continue to inspire many.”

He praised President Tinubu for his bold economic reforms, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange regime.

“These crucial policies have stemmed the massive financial haemorrhaging Nigeria once experienced. The administration has saved the nation approximately $10 billion annually over the past two years, enabling all three tiers of government to receive almost triple their allocations from the Federation Account and, in turn, better deliver the dividends of democracy,” he said.

Olokoba called on President Tinubu to acknowledge the vital role of grassroots activists in the June 12 struggle.

“The heroism of the common people fuelled the movement. Their resilience carried the banner of democracy forward. Their sweat and sacrifice watered the tree of our freedom,” he noted. “There are too many unsung heroes—too many forgotten faces. As someone who played a key role both in the boardrooms and on the streets during that struggle, President Tinubu must give these individuals the recognition they deserve.”

On the matter of national security, Olokoba emphasised the urgent need for government action, advocating for the implementation of State Police and community-based policing.

“Our current security challenges require immediate attention. Technology must be deployed, and communities must be involved. Security should no longer be the sole preserve of government; it must be a collective responsibility, with grassroots and innovative contributions,” he stated.