On Democracy Day, June 12, 2025, President Bola Tinubu honoured a select group of Nigerians who played pivotal roles in the country’s democratic journey, eliciting both applause and criticism. The President’s list celebrated the late Moshood Abiola, declared winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, and included a historic pardon for the Ogoni Nine, executed for environmental activism.
During his address to the National Assembly, Tinubu elevated Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka and Gen Alani Akinrinade (retd.) to Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger. Other honourees such as Femi Falana (SAN), Bishop Matthew Kukah, and Senator Shehu Sani received the Commander of the Order of the Niger.
Despite the accolades, Senator Shehu Sani publicly questioned the omission of several Northern activists who contributed to the June 12 struggle, naming individuals like Alhaji Balarabe Musa and Attahiru Jega. Research showed many had already been honoured in previous administrations.
Critics also noted the absence of prominent activists Otunba Gaddafi, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, and late Yinka Odumakin. The family of late Fredrick Fasehun condemned the omission as ungrateful, recalling his support for Tinubu during exile.
Former Ekiti Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi lamented the lack of recognition for the Kudirat Radio heroes, who risked their lives broadcasting pro-democracy messages during military rule.
MOSOP welcomed Tinubu’s pardon for the Ogoni Nine but urged full exoneration to remove the “stain of injustice.”
The President’s awards also honoured late figures such as Prof Humphrey Nwosu, who conducted the 1993 election, and posthumously recognised others including Kudirat Abiola and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.
This event follows a series of national honours since 2022, reflecting ongoing efforts to celebrate Nigeria’s democratic heritage amid calls for more inclusive recognition.