Top 12 Tweets as Nigerians Remember MKO Abiola and his June 12 Mandate

Today is June 12, a remarkable date in Nigeria’s political history. On this day in 1993, Nigerians voted in a presidential election believed to be the freest and fairest ever held in Nigeria and won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and his running mate Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). However, the election was annulled by then Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida.

This lead to turmoil and anarchy especially in the Southwest and the country did not return to democratic rule until May 29, 1999. MKO had died in detention after Late Head of State, General Sani Abacha had him arrested when he declared himself president following the refusal of the military to recognize and allow the announcement of his victory at the June 12 elections by the now defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC).

See our favorite Tweets from Nigerians commemorating June 12 and MKO Abiola’s struggle for his eventually denied mandate to become Nigeria’s elected president in 1993 under #June12

"A scarcity of #books and equipment has rendered our schools into desolate desserts of ignorance."
~#MKO #Abiola #June12 #Politics #Nigeria pic.twitter.com/rUkjtYsw1U

— Shanks Konsult (@shankskonsult) June 12, 2017

I still remember this poster though very young then. #June12 pic.twitter.com/2fTJSyPcej

— ONABANJO,Rahman Seun (@Xchange1) June 12, 2017

I Pray MKO Abiola & others that died along the struggle to continue to rest in Peace… They are the REAL HEROES OF DEMOCRACY.. #June12

— Mr. JAG® (@jag_bros) June 12, 2017

I remember this day 24 years ago. We started celebrating Abiola's victory around 2pm

Two hours later, we cut short our celebration#June12

— Tunde Eneji (@iameneji) June 12, 2017

The speech that got #Abiola arrested – and ‘killed’ | TheCable https://t.co/xmuvQp38fp #June12 pic.twitter.com/JcB6zA29wG

— TheCable (@thecableng) June 12, 2017

MKO Abiola forever in our hearts. Rest in peace sir. #June12, 24 years down the road.

— Dr Jaliyyah Bello (@JaliyyahBello) June 12, 2017

Day Nigerians voted for leaders that ll govern them without religion or tribal sentiment.#june12#stateofthenation pic.twitter.com/SiIt4KWtkX

— Isado (@Isado20) June 12, 2017

Remembering #Nigeria's struggle for democracy and it's initial death on #June12 '93. Our responsibility to ensure it doesn't happen again. pic.twitter.com/KqIwc3TgK8

— Amina Maikori (@aminamaikori) June 12, 2017

MKO MKO MKO - Action

Abiol Abiola Abiola - Progress

Na him be the man o for better tomorrow#June12

— Demola (@OmoGbajaBiamila) June 12, 2017

#June12 No-work/No-Light, SDP & MKO campaign song during 1993 Election, Nigeria still battling same issues till Nowpic.twitter.com/647lMbHPnd

— Naijaside Media (@Naijaside) June 12, 2017

24 years after #June12 election, the lyrics of this video is still valid.
No work, no food, no light, nothing is working in Nigeria😢

— Kemi Ariyo (@d_problemsolver) June 12, 2017

#June12 is the real #DemocracyDay

May 29 was a weak attempt by Obasanjo to erase the memory of #June12

It won't ultimately work

— Onye Nkuzi (@cchukudebelu) June 11, 2017