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Good morning, Andy!
On this day in 1993, Nigerians queued for hours to vote in the first presidential election since 1983, an election still widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the country’s history. It produced a resounding, but short-lived, mandate for Chief M.K.O. Abiola. General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the results before they were officially declared, the Abacha years followed and Abiola died in detention without ever taking office. Only in 1999, with Olusegun Obasanjo’s victory and swearing-in, did Nigeria return to democratic rule, and it has held, unbroken, ever since.
If you want the full story of June 12, season one of our podcast is devoted to it. Our editor-in-chief and host, Wale Lawal, traces the political machinations behind the annulment, the key players, and the consequences Nigeria still lives with. If you listen to anything today, let it be this.
We also bring you stories and analyses on Nigerian democracy: its struggles, milestones and unfinished business. Read them, argue with them, and — current socioeconomic realities notwithstanding — have a lovely Democracy Day.
Tomi Olugbemi
Audience Editor, The Republic
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