Thirty-two years after risking everything to restore democracy, many June 12 activists remain at the forefront of politics, advocacy, journalism and civil society, while continuing to challenge Nigeria’s democratic shortcomings.
The June 12 struggle may be three decades behind Nigeria, but many of the men and women who stood against military rule are far from done shaping the country’s future.
As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, several prominent June 12 activists remain active in politics, civil society, journalism and public advocacy, continuing the fight they began in the 1990s.
President Bola Tinubu, once a key figure in the pro-democracy movement and the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), now occupies the nation’s highest office and is preparing for another presidential run.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana remains one of Nigeria’s most vocal activists. This year, he joined civil society groups calling for nationwide protests over insecurity, poverty and concerns about free speech, showing that his activism remains very much alive.
Former Ekiti governor Kayode Fayemi, who operated the underground Radio Kudirat during the military era, now leads the Amandla Institute and continues to advocate for deeper democratic reforms across Africa.
Publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore remains a fierce government critic and says Nigeria has yet to achieve the democracy many fought for. He is also preparing another presidential bid in 2027.
Former senator Shehu Sani, once detained for pro-democracy protests, remains active in politics and hopes to return to the Senate in 2027. Meanwhile, lawyer Abdul Mahmud continues pushing for accountable governance through the Public Interest Lawyers League.
Veteran journalist and International Press Centre executive director Olarenwaju Arogundade is still championing press freedom and democratic accountability, while former Tell Magazine journalist Osa Director remains active in political advocacy.
Many of these activists share a common view: democracy has survived, but the promises of June 12—prosperity, accountability, justice and genuine representation—remain unfinished business.
The report was published by Peoples Gazette as Nigeria commemorates 32 years since the historic June 12, 1993 election and the pro-democracy struggle it inspired.
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