President Bola Tinubu, during a special address to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, paid tribute to numerous individuals—both living and deceased—whose sacrifices and contributions were instrumental in shaping the nation’s democratic journey.
He conferred prestigious National Honours on these individuals as a symbol of national appreciation and enduring recognition.
Among the most distinguished recipients were three figures who were honoured posthumously for their indelible roles in shaping Nigeria’s democratic path: Mrs. Kudirat Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and Professor Humphrey Nwosu.
Kudirat Abiola, the late wife of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola—the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election—was awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).
General Yar’Adua, a respected political figure and elder brother to former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, was posthumously conferred with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), the highest national honour.
Professor Nwosu, who chaired the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC) during that critical election period, was similarly recognised for his pivotal role in advancing electoral integrity.
The ceremony took place at a joint session of the National Assembly, where President Tinubu highlighted the enduring legacy of these individuals and the importance of remembering those who stood firm for democracy during Nigeria’s turbulent military regimes.
In addition to these honours, the second-highest national award—the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)—was bestowed upon Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka and retired General Alani Akinrinade.
Both men were acknowledged for their unwavering advocacy and resistance against military dictatorship, particularly in the struggle to actualise the annulled June 12 election.
Several other figures were celebrated posthumously with the title of CFR. These included Chief Bola Ige, Balarabe Musa, Alfred Rewane, Frank Kokori, Alao Aka-Bashorun, and Dr. Fredrick Fasheun—men remembered for their relentless activism and principled stance against authoritarian rule.
A diverse group of notable Nigerians were also named recipients of the CFR honour. They include: Polycarp Nwite, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, renowned journalists Bayo Onanuga and Dare Babarinsa, public intellectual Olatunji Dare, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, Senator Shehu Sani, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, publisher Seye Kehinde, former lawmaker Olawole Osun, Professor Segun Gbadegesin, House Majority Leader Professor Julius Ihonvbere, and Senator Abu Ibrahim, among others. Each of them has, in various capacities, contributed meaningfully to the sustenance and promotion of democracy in Nigeria.
Posthumous recognition in the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) category was given to late activist Chima Ubani. Also honoured in that category were late journalist Bagauda Kaltho and notable public figures like former Minister Labaran Maku, current Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, and veteran media mogul Chief Sam Amuka Pemu, who was also celebrated on the occasion of his 90th birthday.
President Tinubu concluded by affirming that a comprehensive list of all honourees, including those yet to be publicly named, would be released in due course to ensure every deserving contributor is duly acknowledged.