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June 12 Season 1
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THE REPUBLIC PODCAST • SEASON 1
June 12
Our first season tells the story of June 12, 1993 — the day Nigeria held what is widely considered its freest and fairest presidential election, only for the results to be annulled by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida. Host Wale Lawal traces the political machinations, the key players, and the lasting consequences of that fateful day.
About the Show
We all grew up hearing about ‘June 12’, but how well do you know what really happened? You might think it was just an election, but June 12 explains so much more about the frustrations, excitement and contradictions that make Nigeria the complicated country it is. How so? Let’s find out together.
The Republic is a narrative podcast series exploring pivotal Nigerian and broader African historical events and figures. In our first season, host Wale Lawal traces the significance of the June 12 1993 election, 30 years on. June 12, which marked the political rise of Moshood Kashimawo Olawale ‘M. K. O.’ Abiola and culminated in his arrest and death, no longer feels inanimate. Why was it such a pivotal moment? What did it feel like to experience it? And why has it remained engrained in Nigeria’s political consciousness?
The Republic is now available, wherever you listen to podcasts.
Host
Wale Lawal is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Republic.
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Episodes
WALE LAWAL • OCTOBER 22, 2023
SEASON 1 EP.1 - IBB, THE ‘EVIL GENIUS’
General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida or ‘IBB’ became the military president of Nigeria in 1984, after overthrowing General Muhammadu Buhari (yes, we know what you’re thinking and you’re right) in a military coup.
WALE LAWAL • OCTOBER 29, 2023
SEASON 1 EP.2 - MKO: THE MAN NIGERIA WAITED TO SEE
During the June 12 1993 election, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale ‘MKO’ Abiola was the widely preferred presidential candidate.
WALE LAWAL • NOVEMBER 5, 2023
SEASON 1 EP.3 - SDP & NRC: TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN
Ahead of the June 12 1993 election, the Babangida regime created a two-party system, in which only the National Republican Convention party (NRC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) were allowed to run for office.
WALE LAWAL • NOVEMBER 19, 2023
SEASON 1 EP.4 - JUNE 12: HOPE DEFERRED
It was June 15 1993, three days after the June 12 election and the National Electoral Commission had released results from 14 states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
WALE LAWAL • NOVEMBER 19, 2023
SEASON 1 EP.5 - JUNE 12: FREEST AND FAIREST OF THEM ALL
After eight years of anticipation, and eight years of promises from General Ibrahim Babangida’s junta, Nigerians were finally about to have their say at the ballot box.
WALE LAWAL • NOVEMBER 26, 2023
SEASON 1 EP.6 - JUNE 12: THE REST IS HISTORY
IBB had just stepped down from the presidential seat and handed the responsibility over to the technocrat, Ernest Shonekan.
