June 12: Pro‑democracy movement rises

In the blistering heat of Nigeria’s political turmoil, a storm of voices once rose loud, lyrical, defiant. From the crowded streets of Lagos to the heartlands of Ibadan and Osogbo, chants for freedom echoed like ancestral drums, refusing to be silenced.

This was not just a movement; it was a resurrection of a nation’s will, a poetry of resistance inked in courage and sacrifice.

Heroes were not only made—they were martyred. Kudirat Abiola’s footsteps beat through eternity, while Gani Fawehinmi’s law books burned with justice unfulfilled.

And in the shadow of Abacha’s iron regime, every arrest, every bullet, and every banned newspaper only deepened the resolve of a people who refused to kneel.

This is the story of that uprising, the rise of a movement that turned mourning into marching, silence into slogans, and fear into fire.

The Southwest region—including Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Akure, and Osogbo—became the epicentre of multiple democracy-driven protests.

The region has long been a “hotbed” for civic activism, with gatherings such as the #EndSARS protests and Democracy Day demonstrations capturing national attention

On June 12, 2021 (Democracy Day), coordinated protests erupted in Lagos and Abuja, quickly spreading to southwestern cities such as Ibadan, Osogbo, Abeokuta, and Akure.

Police used tear gas and made arrests in response to chants of “Buhari Must Go” and criticism of insecurity and the Twitter ban.

A fearless pro‑democracy campaigner and wife of election‑winner MKO Abiola, Kudirat fiercely advocated for the military-recognised June 12, 1993 mandate.

Her assassination on June 4, 1996, became a flashpoint, fueling the formation of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and the growth of Radio Kudirat, both key instruments of resistance.

Esteemed “legal conscience” of the nation, Gani Fawehinmi, fought relentlessly for human rights and democracy.

Frequently jailed under successive military regimes, he remained undeterred, leading public rallies and inspiring local gatherings at what is now Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park.

NADECO’s founding members included prominent figures like Abraham Adesanya, who survived assassination attempts, and respected lawyers like Aka‑Basorun, emotionally devastated after Kudirat’s death.

Kayode Oladele, aligned with the Campaign for Democracy, coordinated protests and strikes during the 1993/4 electoral crisis.

General Sani Abacha’s regime (1993–1998) unleashed an authoritarian storm of detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings aimed at silencing dissent. Key repression strategies included:

Mass arrests and detention without trial

In 1995–96, Gani Fawehinmi, Femi Falana, and several members of NADECO were arrested and held without charge.

Assassination and violence

Kudirat Abiola was murdered in June 1996 on state orders. Major Hamza Al‑Mustapha was later accused of orchestrating the killing.

Media suppression & bans

Pro‑democracy newspapers like The Punch, Guardian, Newswatch, TELL, and TheNews were shut down.

Organizational repression

NADECO and similar pro‑democracy groups were outlawed. Members were arrested, media channels seized, and activists exiled or tortured.

Despite the brutal response, resistance persisted. NADECO publicised Abiola's claim to the June 12 mandate, and collective actions—strikes, protests, and international advocacy—kept the movement alive until Abacha’s death in June 1998, followed by Abiola's demise in July 1998, which ultimately prompted the transition to civilian rule.

The Pro‑Democracy Movement Rises stands as a testament to Nigeria’s enduring struggle for civilian rule.

From grassroots protests in the Southwest to heroic sacrifices by Kudirat Abiola and Gani Fawehinmi, bravery and resilience triumphed over repression.

Under Abacha’s brutal crackdown, democracy faced its darkest hour—but the unwavering spirit of activists ensured its eventual return, shaping the nation’s modern political landscape.