1993 — Nigeria's Annulled Election: Moshood Abiola's Victory

On June 12, 1993, Nigeria held what many observers regard as its fairest and freest election since independence. Businessman Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, a Yoruba Muslim, won by a wide margin, uniting Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines. However, the military regime led by General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the results, sparking widespread protests and political unrest. Abiola was later arrested after declaring himself president and died in custody in 1998. June 12 became a symbol of democratic aspiration in Nigeria. In 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari officially declared June 12 as Democracy Day, replacing May 29. The date honors Abiola’s sacrifice and the enduring call for free, fair governance in Africa’s most populous country.