Challenges of democracy and the (de)memorialisation of the June 12, 1993 elections in Nigeria

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Periodical article

Title:	Challenges of democracy and the (de)memorialisation of the June 12, 1993 elections in Nigeria
Authors:	Ekanade, Olumide Odoemene, Akachi
Year:	2012
Periodical:	International Journal of African Renaissance Studies (ISSN 1818-6874)
Volume:	7
Issue:	1
Pages:	73-93
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	memory presidential elections 1993 democracy
External link:	https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/18186874.2012.699929
Abstract:	This article explores the complex dynamics and underpinnings of the contested significance of the June 12, 1993 presidential elections in Nigeria. It shows how a sectional cabal not only saw to the annulment of these elections, but has relentlessly engaged the machinery of the State to foist collective amnesia on the citizenry by memorializing May 29 as 'Democracy Day', instead of June 12. The authors argue that these actions became necessary as the remembrance and memorialization of June 12 could have dire implications for the survival and reputation of the cabal. Using the Obasanjo administration (1999-2007) as a case, this article analyses certain critical events to illustrate and buttress its points. The authors conclude that until there is a national commitment to memorializing June 12, as well as the institutionalization of the fundamental tenets of democracy embodied in those elections, a civic and democratic ethos among Nigerian civil society will remain elusive. Bibliogr., notes, sum. [Journal abstract]