By President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday morning delivered an address to the nation in commemoration and celebration of 2022 Democracy Day.
Since the return to civil rule in 1999, Nigeria had always observed Democracy Day on May 29, but in 2018, Buhari announced June 12 as a public holiday and Democracy Day.
Here are five major takeaways from the speech.
1. Annulment of June 12, 1993 elections.
The president described the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election as “the worst of our leadership”.
The historic election was presumed to have been won by Chief M.K.O Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The Ibrahim Babangida military government, however, annulled the election.
“We must never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy during 1993. Their patriotism and peaceful struggle should guide our actions especially when it comes to electing our leaders and holding them accountable, now and in future,” Buhari said.
2. His last Democracy Day speech.
Buhari, whose 8-year stint in office ends on May 29, 2023, noted that Sunday’s speech will be his last Democracy Day address to Nigerians.
“Fellow Nigerians this is my last Democracy Day speech as your President. By June 12th, 2023, exactly one year from today, you will already have a new President. I remain committed and determined to ensure that the new President is elected through a peaceful and transparent process,” he said.
3. 2023 elections shouldn’t be a “do or die affair”.
The president urged candidates of the political parties to continue running issue-focused campaigns and to treat opponents with dignity, saying politics should never be seen a ”do-or-die” affair.
“As we move into the general election campaign season, we must sustain this mature attitude to campaigning and ultimately, voting. We must never see it as a “do or die” affair. We must all remember democracy is about the will of the majority. There must be winners and losers,” Buhari said.
4. Worried about Nigeria’s insecurity.
The Nigerian leader expressed his concern over the insecurity being experienced across the country, saying he is living with grief and worry for all those who are victims and prisoners of terrorism and kidnapping.
“I and the security agencies are doing all we can to free those unfortunate countrymen and countrywomen safely,” he added.
“For those who have lost their lives, we will continue to seek justice for their families against the perpetrators. For those currently in captivity, we will not stop until they are freed, and their kidnappers are brought to justice.”
5. A resounding legacy.
Buhari also promised a legacy of “a free, fair and transparent process” in the 2023 elections.
“And I am pleading with all citizens to come together and work with Government to build a peaceful and prosperous nation,” he added.
