Tinubu confers national honours on 50 pro-democracy figures, including Dasuki, Joe Igbokwe, Dele Alake
Abuja, June 12, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on 50 Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle and the fight against military rule.
The honours were announced during activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, which commemorates Nigeria’s democratic journey and the legacy of the June 12 movement. The recipients include journalists, civil rights activists, political figures, and retired military officers who played significant roles in resisting military dictatorship and advocating democratic governance.
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Among those honoured are former National Security Adviser Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), former Lagos State governorship aspirant Joe Igbokwe, Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake, and several other notable figures associated with the struggle for the restoration of democracy.
President Tinubu said the awards were intended to recognize the sacrifices made by individuals who risked their careers, freedom, and, in some cases, their lives in the pursuit of democratic governance in Nigeria. The honours form part of the annual Democracy Day observance, which celebrates the country’s transition from military rule and honours those who contributed to that process.
The recognition continues Tinubu’s policy of celebrating democracy advocates and June 12 heroes. Previous Democracy Day honours have been awarded to prominent pro-democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders, and political figures whose efforts helped shape Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
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The 2026 honours list reflects a broad spectrum of individuals drawn from politics, the media, civil society, and the military, underscoring the diverse coalition that opposed authoritarian rule and contributed to Nigeria’s democratic transition.
Democracy Day is observed annually on June 12 in remembrance of the annulled 1993 presidential election widely regarded as one of the freest in Nigeria’s history and as a symbol of the nation’s democratic aspirations.
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