Nigeria has had many defining moments, but few compare to June 12, 1993. It was supposed to be a turning point; the day democracy won. Instead, it became the day democracy was stolen.

Why? How? And who paid the ultimate price?

This is the story of hope, betrayal, and the cost of power.

The Most Free and Fair Election in Nigeria’s History?

After years of military rule, Nigerians were eager for a return to democracy.

✔️ The elections of June 12, 1993, saw a massive voter turnout.
✔️ Chief M.K.O. Abiola, a wealthy businessman, emerged as the clear winner.
✔️ Even in regions where religion and ethnicity often divided voters, Abiola was widely accepted.

For the first time in a long time, Nigerians voted not based on tribe or religion; but on hope. But hope was not enough.Despite overwhelming evidence that M.K.O. Abiola had won, IBB annulled the elections before the results could be officially declared.

✔️ He cited security concerns.
✔️ He claimed there were irregularities.
✔️ He insisted it was in Nigeria’s best interest.

But Nigerians were not fooled.

✔️ Why would an election that was praised as free and fair be canceled?
✔️ Why did the military suddenly decide democracy wasn’t safe?
✔️ Was this about Nigeria’s future or about protecting certain interests?

People took to the streets.
Protests erupted across the country.
Nigeria was on the brink of chaos.

But the military didn’t budge.
Democracy was denied.

And IBB, after eight years in power, stepped aside. But instead of handing over to Abiola, he left Nigeria in the hands of another military leader.

Abiola refused to accept the annulment.
He declared himself the rightful president.
He fought for his mandate.

But power does not surrender easily.

✔️ Abiola was arrested.
✔️ He was detained for years.
✔️ On the day he was supposed to be released, he died mysteriously.

Some say it was natural.
Some say it was poison.
Some say it was Nigeria’s biggest political assassination.

What is the truth?
We may never know.
But one thing is clear: Nigeria lost more than just an election.
It lost a chance at real democracy.

The Patriot’s Question: Did We Ever Recover?

Since June 12, Nigeria has had many elections.
But how many have truly been free and fair?

✔️ Ballot box snatching.
✔️ Election rigging.
✔️ Voter suppression.
✔️ Political assassinations.

Has anything really changed?

If we love Nigeria, we must ask ourselves:

✔️ Have we learned from history?
✔️ Do we defend democracy, or do we let power decide for us?
✔️ Are we still living in the shadow of June 12?

June 12 was more than an election.
It was a test of whether Nigeria truly belonged to its people.

And if we do not fight for democracy,
we may wake up one day and realize;
we never really had it.

Episode Nine: The Road to June 12 and the Betrayal of Democracy

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