Challenges of democracy and the (de)memorialisation of the June 12, 1993 elections in Nigeria

Abstract

This article explores the complex dynamics and underpinnings of the contested significance of the June 12, 1993 presidential elections in Nigeria. It shows how a sectional cabal not only saw to the annulment of these elections, but has relentlessly engaged the machinery of the state to foist collective amnesia on the citizenry by memorialising May 29 as ‘Democracy Day’, instead of June 12. We argue that these actions became necessary as the remembrance and memorialisation of June 12 could have dire implications for the survival and reputation of the cabal. Using the Obasanjo administration (1999–2007) as a case, this article analyses certain critical events to illustrate and buttress its points. We conclude that until there is a national commitment to memorialising June 12, as well as the institutionalisation of the fundamental tenets of democracy embodied in those elections, a civic and democratic ethos among Nigerian civil society will remain elusive.