CONCLUSION
The arguments for and against June 12 are now legion. Some take the view that because of Abiola’s class background, it was a mistake to have fought so determinedly to actualize his mandate. Those opposing this perspective argue that Nigerians did not set out to fight for Abiola, but for the principles and ideals his cause symbolized. A third perspective is that the democratic struggle in Nigeria cannot be fixated on June 12 because events have made it lose its meaning and originality. Finally, a fourth perspective is that the election was neither free nor fair and therefore must be rejected in its entirety because the process that gave birth to it was neither legitimate nor credible.
No matter which perspective is canvassed, three issues will always remain apparent around the June 12 debate. The first is that the whole crisis threw up a plethora of social forces and gave added vibrancy to civil society. The second is that the way the June 12 struggle was misdirected tells much about the character of the Nigerian ruling class, especially its political fraction. The third issue is that June 12 may be exploited in a very dangerous manner that could lead to separatist agitation in Nigeria. For as long as it remains unresolved, June 12 will always be an albatross round the neck of the political class. This is because the annulment of the election represents intra-class injustice. It does not matter if it is the bourgeoisie that is depreciating itself.
The crucial questions here are why the military cannot allow the law to apply without manipulation, and why the June 12 issue cannot be decided by a properly constituted court of law?
But the rest is history, yet the heroes of villains need not be forgotten immediately. Over the years, there has been increase in the clamour to immortalise Moshood Abiola, the clear but undeclared winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, and that the day should be set aside as a public holiday.
For the villains, posterity needed not judge Ibrahim Babangida. His judgement was here and now. His attempt to re-enter the Nigerian political space was met with remainder of June 12. This has not changed!
