Democracy Day 2026: Tinubu Unveils National Honours for Pro-Democracy Champions


 

By Abdulahi Musa 


President Recognises Pro-Democracy Activists, Journalists, Politicians and Military Officers for Sacrifices Made During Struggle for Democratic Rule


 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced national honours for dozens of Nigerians who played key roles in the struggle for democracy, describing them as patriots who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, harassment and other hardships to secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.


Speaking during his 2026 Democracy Day national broadcast, the President said the award recipients represent some of the courageous individuals who stood firm against military dictatorship and fought for the restoration of democratic governance following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.


The list includes notable journalists, activists, lawyers, politicians, academics and civil society leaders such as Barrister Ayoka Lawani, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Sam Omatseye, Debo Adeniran, Ayo Opadokun, Joe Okei-Odumakin, Richard Akinnola, Femi Aborisade, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju and several others.


Tinubu also honoured two deceased pro-democracy figures, Dr Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi, with posthumous recognition for their contributions to the democratic struggle.


In addition, the President recognised a group of military officers he described as “soldier-democrats” who supported the June 12 movement and democratic transition. Those recognised include Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, Major General Chris Eze, Major General Harris Dzarma, Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong and several other retired and serving officers.


According to the President, the full honours list and categories of awards will be officially released in the coming days.


Reflecting on Nigeria's democratic journey, Tinubu noted that many doubted democracy would survive in a country as diverse as Nigeria when civilian rule returned in 1999. However, he said the nation's diversity has become one of the pillars sustaining democratic governance.


“June 12 reminds us that Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” the President declared.


He urged citizens to remain committed to the ideals of democracy and nation-building, calling on Nigerians to renew their dedication to ensuring that the sacrifices of the nation's heroes are not in vain.


The President concluded his address by praying for the continued progress of Nigeria and paying tribute to the heroes of democracy whose sacrifices paved the way for the country's current democratic dispensation.


“May God bless the heroes of our democracy. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

“We Have Resolved to Stand Firmly With Adeleke for Second Term” — Omisore Declares Support Ahead of Osun Poll

Image
  By Abdulahi Musa  A significant political development has emerged in Osun State as the political structure aligned with former Osun East Senator and ex-APC National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore, has declared its support for the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke ahead of the August 15 governorship election. In a statement shared via his Facebook page, Omisore—an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain who previously contested for the party’s governorship ticket in Osun State—said the decision followed consultations across his political structure in the state. According to him, the move was taken in what he described as the overall interest of Osun State, its people, and the need to sustain unity, progress, and good governance. “It is official. The political structure of Senator Iyiola Omisore across Osun State has resolved to stand firmly with Governor Ademola Adeleke for his re-election. This decision is in the interest of Osun State, its people, and the continued pursu...
Read more

Five Months Without Salary: Obokun LG Education Board Member Resigns, Joins APC in Protest Move

Image
By Kehinde Awosina  A member of the Obokun Local Government Education Board, Engr. Philip Ayodele, has officially resigned his appointment, citing the non-payment of five months’ salary arrears running from May to September 2025. Ayodele, who hails from Ipetu-Ile Ward 02 in Obokun Local Government Area, said his decision followed prolonged neglect of his entitlements despite repeated efforts to resolve the issue through formal channels. He alleged that several letters written to the appropriate authorities on the matter were ignored without any meaningful response, describing the situation as unfair and discouraging. In a major political development, the former board member also announced his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), aligning with Hon. Oluwole Oke, who represents the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Ayodele said his defection was driven by what he described as “neglect of rights and lack of responsiveness” from the rel...
Read more

Babalola Obisesan Rejects Pelumi Olajengbesi's Imposition as Accord Candidate, Threatens Legal Action

Image
 By Kehinde Awosina An aspirant of the Accord Party for the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency seat, Babalola Obisesan, has rejected the emergence of Pelumi Olajengbesi as the party’s candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obisesan described the process that produced Olajengbesi as undemocratic and contrary to the principles of fairness and transparency expected within the party. According to him, the selection process was allegedly influenced by only a few individuals, denying party members and supporters across Obokun and Oriade the opportunity to freely decide their preferred candidate through a credible democratic exercise. The Ijebu-Jesa-born politician lamented that the development violated internal democratic values and disenfranchised party loyalists who expected an open and fair process. He further alleged that the action contradicted electoral principles and civic rights, warning that he may seek legal redress to challenge the emergence of Olajengbesi as the party...
Read more