The United States will host the very first International June 12 Democracy Day on Monday, commemorating the 30th anniversary of Nigeria's historic presidential election won by the late Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola.
The event is being organized by the New Americans Magazine and the New American Community Information Centre in partnership with the National Association of Political Correspondents (NAPOC), an association of journalists who covered the election that was nullified by former military president Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
During the event, a book titled "Nigeria's aborted Third Republic and the June 12 debacle: Reporters' accounts" will be showcased, providing detailed insights into the experiences of NAPOC members during General Babangida's convoluted transition program from 1985 to 1993.
The annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election results plunged the country into a crisis that was ultimately resolved in 1999 with the restoration of democratic governance.
In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari officially declared June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria and posthumously honored Abiola with the highest national recognition, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR), typically reserved for presidents. The inaugural International June 12 Nigeria Democracy Day will take place at the Karl Road branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library from 5-7 p.m., as announced by Deba Uwadiae, the publisher of New Americans Magazine.
Uwadiae stated, "The event will feature Ohio elected officials sharing their experiences of community and the opportunities that arise from serving as elected officials in their state.
There will also be firsthand accounts from individuals who witnessed the June 12, 1993 elections in Nigeria, along with discussions on responsible and accountable democratic values in Africa."
He added, "We are excited to share Nigeria's experiences during the aborted Third Republic with the international community, and we hope to learn from others on how we can ensure that Nigeria's Fourth Republic continues to grow and become a widely accepted democratic standard worthy of emulation."
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