Tinubu Honours June 12 Heroes for Role in Nigeria’s Democratic Struggle

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced national honours for dozens of pro-democracy activists, journalists, lawyers, intellectuals, and military officers in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Speaking during the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Tinubu described the award recipients as patriots who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and other hardships in the fight to restore democratic governance in the country.

The President said the honours were intended to acknowledge the sacrifices of individuals who played significant roles in the struggle that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, a pivotal moment that eventually paved the way for Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999.

According to the Presidency, the awardees represent a diverse group of Nigerians whose efforts helped sustain the pro-democracy movement during one of the nation’s most challenging political periods.

Among those recognised are prominent activists, media professionals, and public figures, including Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Barrister Ayoka Lawani, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Segun Babatope, Sam Omatseye, Sir Ademola Osinubi, Bola Bolawole, Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Debo Adeniran, and Chief Ayo Opadokun.

Other honourees include Chief Ralph Obiora, Ose Osayande, Barrister Osa Director, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Dr Osagie Obayuwana, Barrister Titus Mann, Joe Igbokwe, Richard Akinnola, George Mbah, Dr Niran Malaolu, Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd), Femi Aborisade, Jenkins Alumona, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Muyiwa Adekeye, and Babajide Kolade-Otitoju.

The list also features posthumous honours for Dr Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi in recognition of their contributions to the democratic cause.

In addition, Tinubu acknowledged the role played by members of the military who supported the June 12 movement and opposed military rule during the period. Among those recognised are former National Security Adviser Col. Sambo Dasuki, Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Col. Umar Farouk Ahmed, Col. Lawan Gwadabe, Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong, Col. Musa Shehu, Major General Chris Eze, Major General Harris Dzarma, and Col. Isa Jibrin.

Other military figures honoured include Major General Joseph Oshanupin, Col. Olusegun Oloruntoba, Lt. Col. Happy Kefas Bulus, Col. J. Okai, Col. Emmanuel Ndubueze, Lt. Col. Yakubu Muazu, and Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the current Etsu Nupe.

Tinubu noted that the names announced represent only part of the recognition programme, adding that a comprehensive honours list will be released by the Presidency in the coming days.

The President said the awards serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals and groups who defended democratic ideals and helped shape the Nigeria that exists today.

The June 12 struggle remains one of the most significant chapters in the nation’s political history, symbolising the fight for electoral justice, civil liberties, and democratic governance.