Buhari cancels May 29 Democracy day, announces new date

President Muhammadu Buhari has announced the cancellation of May 29 as the country’s annual Democracy Day.

Buhari in a press release on Wednesday said the annual celebration would now hold on June 12.

Buhari also announced that MKO Abiola, winner of the annulled election, will be posthumously awarded the highest honour in the land, GCFR.


Baba Gana Kingibe has also been conferred with a national honour.

“Dear Nigerians, I am delighted to announce that, after due consultations, the Federal Government has decided that henceforth, June 12 will be celebrated as Democracy Day.

“We have also decided to award posthumously the highest Honour in the land, GCFR, to the late Chief MKO Abiola.


“In the view of Nigerians, as shared by this Administration, June 12, 1993, was and is far more symbolic of Democracy in the Nigerian context than May 29, or even October 1.

“Chief Abiola’s running mate, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, is also to be awarded a GCON.

“Furthermore, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, a tireless fighter for human rights and democracy, and for the actualisation of the June 12, 1993 elections, will be posthumously awarded a GCON,” he said.