As you probably already know, Democracy Day is an annual celebration in Nigeria which takes place on May 29
th.
Here are some more facts about the public holiday to add to your bank of knowledge. If you’re new to Nigeria, this is certainly a history lesson you don’t want to miss:
1. The first Democracy Day was on May 29, 1999 when former military leader and then President-elect, Olusegun Obasanjo was sworn in as the President of Nigeria.
2. The first Democracy Day also signified the end of almost 30 years of military rule since 1966, with a brief stint of democracy between 1979 and 1983 with Alh. Shehu Shagari in power.
3. The first Democracy Day – and generally, the practice of democracy since 1999 – took place after Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, the last military leader of Nigeria promised a transition to democracy. In line with this, a new constitution was adopted in May 5, 1999.
4. The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) actually opposed the use of the date May 29 in 1999. This is the umbrella body of pro-democracy and civil society groups that had been demanding for the actualisation of the June 12 presidential mandate.
5. The date was also opposed by some Nigerians who pointed out its similarity to the date Chukwuemeka O. Ojukwu declared the ‘Secession and Declaration of the Sovereign State of Biafra’ and the day ‘On Aburi We Stand’ speech was made; on the 30
th of May, 1967 and 1969 respectively.
