By Fidelis Onakpoma
As Nigerians mark June 12 Democracy Day, the International Human Rights Commission – IHRC Corporation, Nigeria, has issued a renewed call for justice, unity, and the consolidation of democratic values across the nation. In a statement addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the IHRC praised his enduring commitment to democratic ideals, social justice, and good governance—describing him as a “symbol of resilience and continuity” in Nigeria’s political evolution.
In a letter signed by H.E. Ambassador (Dr.) Duru Hezekiah, IHRC Nigeria Country Head, the organization paid tribute to President Tinubu’s role as a prominent pro-democracy figure during Nigeria’s tumultuous political struggles of the 1990s.
“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,” the letter stated.
President Tinubu, a former Senator and Governor of Lagos State, was a leading member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO)—a key platform that resisted military rule following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, believed to have been won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola. The IHRC commended Tinubu’s dedication to electoral integrity and democratic activism, including his efforts while in political exile during that era.
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has initiated reforms focused on economic recovery, youth empowerment, and institutional accountability. The IHRC acknowledged these efforts, while also noting the ongoing challenges facing the nation.
“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,” the organization said.
June 12, officially recognized as Nigeria’s Democracy Day in 2018, commemorates the 1993 election and honors the legacy of Chief M.K.O. Abiola and the many Nigerians who fought for the restoration of democratic rule.
The IHRC used the occasion to urge all stakeholders—government officials, civil society actors, traditional leaders, and citizens—to recommit to the core values 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,” the statement concluded.