Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday joined senior government officials and political figures at the National Mosque in Abuja for a special Jummat prayer held as part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
The prayer session forms part of events organised by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to mark June 12, a date widely regarded as a symbol of Nigeria’s democratic struggle and resilience.
Nigeria officially adopted June 12 as Democracy Day in 2018 after former President Muhammadu Buhari recognised the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, as the rightful winners of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, considered one of the freest and fairest polls in the country’s history.
At the mosque, Shettima led prayers for national unity, peace, and the continued growth of democratic governance in Nigeria, urging citizens to remain committed to the ideals of democracy and nation-building.
Among those who joined the Vice President were Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje.
The gathering underscored the significance of June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey and a reminder of the sacrifices made in the struggle for civilian rule.
