Honouring Nigeria’s Democratic Heroes and the Ongoing Struggle for Good Governance
Abuja, Nigeria – 12 June 2025
Celebrating Democracy: A Tribute to Leadership and Legacy
As Nigerians across the country commemorate June 12 Democracy Day, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals, social justice, and good governance. President Tinubu is described by IHRC as a “symbol of resilience and continuity” in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Official Acknowledgement and Historical Reflection
This message was conveyed in an official letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signed by Ambassador (Dr.) Duru Hezekiah, Country Head of IHRC Nigeria.
The letter praised President Tinubu’s role in the pro-democracy struggle of the 1990s and his advocacy for civil liberties during one of Nigeria’s most turbulent eras.
“Today, we remember June 12 not just as a date in our history but as a testament to the Nigerian people’s will to determine their future. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sacrifices, dating back to the dark days of military rule, remain etched in the democratic fabric of our nation.”
– Official IHRC Statement
President Tinubu’s Enduring Legacy
President Tinubu—a former Senator and Governor of Lagos State—was a prominent member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), the movement that resisted military rule after the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
IHRC praised Tinubu’s legacy of defending electoral integrity and democratic values, even during periods of exile, at great personal risk.
Recognising Progress and Charting the Future
IHRC further acknowledged President Tinubu’s strides in governance since taking office in May 2023, with a focus on:
- Economic reform
- Youth empowerment
- Institutional accountability
“While the challenges before the nation remain considerable—ranging from insecurity to economic disparity—President Tinubu’s political courage and reform-driven agenda are commendable. As a human rights institution, we urge his administration to continue advancing policies that reflect equity, inclusion, and justice for all Nigerians.”
– IHRC Nigeria
June 12: A Symbol of Democratic Aspirations
June 12, officially Nigeria’s Democracy Day since 2018, commemorates the annulled 1993 election, widely recognised as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.
The day honours the memory of Chief M.K.O. Abiola and all Nigerians who fought for the restoration of democratic rule.
A Call to All Stakeholders
IHRC calls on:
- Government officials
- Civil society groups
- Traditional leaders
- All citizens
to use the occasion of June 12 to recommit to the founding principles of democracy: accountability, freedom, and respect for human rights.
“Let June 12 not only be a day of remembrance, but a day of recommitment. The spirit of that election must live on in how we govern, how we protect human rights, and how we build the Nigeria we all dream of.”
– IHRC Nigeria
Issued by:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria
Peace. A four-letter word so sought-after by many countries and people in general.
Peace. A word whose respect is synonymous with social cohesion.
Apart from certain considerations, true peace is easy to build and consolidate. In any case, the various international instruments, when respected, are synonymous with Peace. It is essential to apply international conventions, treaties and protocols and to promote dialogue when tension or unrest arise. States also have a duty to combat social inequality and corruption, and to promote good governance and social and environmental justice.
All for lasting peace!
TOUGMA Inoussa
Lawyer, Diplomat
Tel: +22670568071 (Burkina Faso)
Email: inousstougma@yahoo.com
As we all cast our minds back to the struggle for a Democratic Nigeria, let us all come together to build a Nigeria of our dream, a Nigeria we all want to see our Children and grand Children thrive in. Let us build a Nigeria of justice, equity, fairness and human rights, because what we do today, we do for generations.