In a deeply symbolic gesture marking Nigeria's 2025 Democracy Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, June 12, conferred national honours on a long list of over 80 distinguished Nigerians. These individuals, both living and posthumously recognized, played pivotal roles in the struggle for democratic governance and justice, particularly after the annulled June 12, 1993 election. The President's address to a joint session of the National Assembly underscored the nation's unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy: freedom, transparency, social justice, and political diversity.

Among the most prominent posthumous recipients were Chief Kudirat Abiola, wife of the late presumed winner of the 1993 election, Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, who was awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR). Her relentless fight for democracy during the military era, which ultimately led to her assassination in 1996, was highlighted as a defining legacy. Major-General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle and former chief of staff, Supreme Headquarters, received the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), Nigeria's highest national honour, a title rarely bestowed upon non-presidents. Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the chairman of the National Electoral Commission who oversaw the widely regarded freest and fairest 1993 election, was also honoured with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) for his integrity and contributions to electoral reforms.

A significant highlight of the ceremony was the posthumous honour and full presidential pardon granted to Ken Saro-Wiwa and the eight other members of the Ogoni Nine. Executed in 1995 by the Sani Abacha-led military administration, these activists led a non-violent campaign against environmental degradation in Ogoniland caused by oil companies like Shell. Saro-Wiwa was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), while Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine each received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). This act of clemency, long demanded by local and international human rights groups, is seen by many as a crucial step towards national healing and environmental justice for the Niger Delta, despite a previous rejection of a pardon by the Ken Saro-Wiwa Foundation in 2021, which insisted on exoneration rather than pardon for their innocent activism.

The extensive list of honourees spanned Nigeria’s diverse ethnic, regional, and professional lines, reinforcing the President's message that the struggle for democracy was a national cause. Living heroes of the democratic struggle were also recognized, including Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, who received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). Prominent journalists such as Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), publisher of Premium Times, Kunle Ajibade (OON), and veteran publisher Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu (CON), who was honored on the eve of his 90th birthday, were celebrated for their courageous use of journalistic tools against military dictatorship. Civil rights lawyers and activists like Gani Fawehinmi, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Senator Shehu Sani (CON), and Barrister Femi Falana SAN (CON) were also among the recipients.

Other notable figures honoured with various distinctions included Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Alfred Rewane (CFR), Chief Frank Kokori (CON), Dr. Alex Ibru (CON), Pa Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), and Professor Shafideen Amuwo (CON), highlighting contributions across politics, activism, and academia. The recognition extended to individuals who faced persecution, imprisonment, or even death for their commitment to a democratic Nigeria, continuing efforts to restore the dignity and legacy of those whose sacrifices led to the end of military rule in 1999.

President Tinubu praised former President Muhammadu Buhari for institutionalizing June 12 as Democracy Day and formally recognizing MKO Abiola and his running mate Babagana Kingibe as the rightful winners of the annulled election. In his address, Tinubu appealed for a renewed commitment to democratic values, emphasizing that no one should suffer persecution for expressing dissent or critical commentary. He assured Nigerians that the country would not slide into a one-party state, asserting that political diversity and civil dialogue are vital for Nigeria’s future. This comprehensive exercise in national remembrance aims to solidify the legacy of those who defended truth, fought repression, and expanded Nigeria’s democratic space, urging all citizens to reflect on these sacrifices and build a future that truly honors their invaluable contributions.