This evening, President Muhammadu Buhari announced the cancellation of May 29 as the country’s annual Democracy Day, replacing it with June 12.

His argument is that June 12 1993 — the date of the election popularly adjudged to be the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history — “was far more symbolic of democracy in the Nigerian context than May 29 or even October 1”.

Similarly, he announced that MKO Abiola, winner of the annulled election, will be posthumously awarded the highest honour in the land, GCFR, as part of the next Democracy Day celebration next Tuesday, while his running mate, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, is also to be invested with a GCON. 

The President also said that “the tireless fighter for human rights and the actualization of the June 12th elections and indeed for democracy in general”, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN, is to be awarded posthumously a GCON.

As typical of Nigerians, the social media is agog with reactions ranging from witty to punchy, including a few suggesting that although the move was motivated by the 2019 election, Buhari would be voted out nonetheless. 

A selection of them is presented below, unedited:

“Even if he’s bribing us, he’s just done it legitimately. This one better pass distributing dollars in SW palaces.” — Nigeria

“So how does this actually help the country?” — Lois Uloko

“Desperate ways to assuage the west and trying to curry the favor of pro Gani activist, but it's won't work Baba Nigerians are tired go home VOTE#Dankwambo2019.” — Titilayo Adebayo

“If you like try and use this to bribe us, when it is time we will vote you out.” — Nwani Ebube
 
“General Buhari, you are truly God sent. No amount of hatred can’t stop your destiny to rule over Nigeria until 2023.” — Black Dove

“Nice initiative from the president, but that won't stop us from voting you out come 2019, so you can celebrate it in Daura with your lovely wife and family Insha Allah.” — Faruk Sadiq

“Finish all your propaganda but we will use our PVC and vote you out ...yes.” — Halima Muhammed

“If you like declare the whole month of June as public holiday, it would not stop me from voting you out of the presidency come 2019 so stop your game.” — Alheri

“Buhari it’s too late. Stop attempting to play on our intelligence and emotions. As election season nears, it's now you remember to give Abiola a deserved reward on paper. It won't buy you a southwest vote, ok.” — KennBest

“Good political move to appease the SW as the election draws closer...will they take the bait? we shall see, abeg make I go refill my popcorn, it's getting too scarce now since the showdown between Nass and the executive branch lol.” — Tony Z

“Buhari too late whatever you will do you are not coming back.” — Hadiza Yusuf

“Doesn't make him any better... he truncated a democratically elected government. Coup plotter.” — Felix Tantari

“Thanks but no way back 2019.. take it back by force” — @emman_idowu

 “Election gimmicks to woo the Yoruba. I think PMB has realised that he has crossed the red line, and he is likely to lose next election.” — @LadokeD

“The old man is hungry for power, hope we will not wake up and hear Buhari declaring Dec 25th another democracy day.” — @EngrBarth_Sam

“This is will not translate to winning the heart of SW.” — @nzerichltd

“Maradonic moves on my mind....” — @ringleader0306

“Let us give honour to who and what is due. Buhari is about to do the right thing.” —@Olukolade3

“Nice one! It's nice to remember our past heroes.” — @Ya_Saddiqu

“Baba PMB @MBuhari thanks for being truthful only those you blocked their illegal means of acquiring wealth are not happy with you. PMB all the way till 2023 then I will become Senate President.” — @Owolanre1

“Great, but this antic will not fry boli.” — @AladeokinBunmi

“If you like, declare December 25th as Christmas Day, you'll still lose next year's election.” — @Raw_Diplomat

“Buhari has done the right thing.” — @JuliusShoga



http://saharareporters.com/2018/06/06/%E2%80%98nice-move-we%E2%80%99ll-still-vote-you-out-2019%E2%80%99-%E2%80%94-how-nigerians-reacted-buhari%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98june-12

Yes, Buhari must be sent packing from Aso rock because his cows which he values more than humans are missing him.

Even Gani has already voted him out in his grave. Hypocrisy isn't what the Senior Advocate of the Masses' forte. Continue to rest in peace Chief Gani Fawehinmi.

ogododo:

“So how does this actually help the country?” — Lois Uloko
“If you like try and use this to bribe us, when it is time we will vote you out.” — Nwani Ebube
 
“Nice initiative from the president, but that won't stop us from voting you out come 2019, so you can celebrate it in Daura with your lovely wife and family Insha Allah.” — Faruk Sadiq

“Finish all your propaganda but we will use our PVC and vote you out ...yes.” — Halima Muhammed

“If you like declare the whole month of June as public holiday, it would not stop me from voting you out of the presidency come 2019 so stop your game.” — Alheri

“Buhari it’s too late. Stop attempting to play on our intelligence and emotions. As election season nears, it's now you remember to give Abiola a deserved reward on paper. It won't buy you a southwest vote, ok.” — KennBest

“Good political move to appease the SW as the election draws closer...will they take the bait? we shall see, abeg make I go refill my popcorn, it's getting too scarce now since the showdown between Nass and the executive branch lol.” — Tony Z

“Buhari too late whatever you will do you are not coming back.” — Hadiza Yusuf

“Doesn't make him any better... he truncated a democratically elected government. Coup plotter.” — Felix Tantari

“Thanks but no way back 2019.. take it back by force” — @emman_idowu

 “Election gimmicks to woo the Yoruba. I think PMB has realised that he has crossed the red line, and he is likely to lose next election.” — @LadokeD

“The old man is hungry for power, hope we will not wake up and hear Buhari declaring Dec 25th another democracy day.” — @EngrBarth_Sam

“This is will not translate to winning the heart of SW.” — @nzerichltd

“Maradonic moves on my mind....” — @ringleader0306

“Great, but this antic will not fry boli.” — @AladeokinBunmi

“If you like, declare December 25th as Christmas Day, you'll still lose next year's election.” — @Raw_Diplomat

The politically conscious Nigerians that really know Buhari got no chill for this shit subtle schemings.A leopard never changes its skin.

"It is unquestionably true that the greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge"(Credit to the due source)


What we have now is a failure.Never you reinforce failure-OBJ.

According to Danjuma “Evidence is there that President Buhari has failed. Corruption continues and ineffective governance does not confront attacks on villages.”

The thing about BUHARI is that he and his Fulani illiterates think they're faster than everybody.

As an Igbo boy growing up in Surulere I could remember my 2 elder brothers coming back late in the night cos they went out to protest with their fellow folks, I was 8 - 9 years old then and I could remember Army people chasing and arresting people in our street.

But this same Buhari was one of the people who orchestrated the killing of Kudirat Abiola, Buhari was working with Abacha to put Nigerians in Agony and pain.

Exactly!
The announcement is a welcome development.
Yet it doesn't stop us from voting him out in 2019.

U people are funny,do u expect Sahara reporters to praise PMB on this issue?.Learn to read the news behind the news.Go to a neutral site and read what. Pro and anti buhari folks are saying.God bless!

Op your link ain't working. Abi na fake but you just add Saharareporters to look legit?

We’re you the ones that voted him in initially ?

front4line:
Were you the ones that voted him in initially ?

I tire o..

Inconsequential 5% miscreants and the way they overestimate their importance.

Everybody claiming to be Yoruba now....oga o ..this is buhari wonder + jagaban magic= progressive.
Yoruba's don't play bitter politics, see what they have achieved in 3years after waiting patiently for over 16years.I wish my people on the far east can learn politics from the Yoruba's, violence does not work ask o.p.c , threat and blackmailing is useless ask afenifere...God bless jagaban,God bless Nigeria,God bless pmb.

Nigeria go hear uwen

Alariiwo:


I tire o..

Inconsequential 5% miscreants and the way they overestimate their importance.

proudevil:
Everybody claiming to be Yoruba now....oga o ..this is buhari wonder + jagaban magic= progressive.
Yoruba's don't play bitter politics, see what they have achieved in 3years after waiting patiently for over 16years.I wish my people on the far east can learn politics from the Yoruba's, violence does not work ask o.p.c , threat and blackmailing is useless ask afenifere...God bless jagaban,God bless Nigeria,God bless pmb.

front4line:
We’re you the ones that voted him in initially ?

My Yoruba Muslim friends
The only reason you still want to vote Buhari again is because of the wanton killings of innocent Christians in the country... Nothing else
Buhari has achieved absolutely nothing in three years and has not fulfilled any of his campaign promises ...

A man who broke his own promise of stopping public office holders from seeking treatment abroad...
A man who promised to eradicate Boko Haram in two weeks and stop kidnappings
Lair sheribu is still in the Boko Haram's den till today after he had paid them handsomely but that won't matter to you or buhari... I mean sheribu is a Christain..

To buhari you all are just lazy youths .... Except for Yusuf his son with no tangible job but owns choice houses everywhere and drives around with 50m naira power bike

zombieHUNTER:


My Yoruba Muslim friends
The only reason you still want to vote Buhari again is because of the wanton killings of innocent Christians in the country... Nothing else
Buhari has achieved absolutely nothing in three years and has not fulfilled any of his campaign promises ...

A man who broke his own promise of stopping public office holders from seeking treatment abroad...
A man who promised to eradicate Boko Haram in two weeks and stop kidnappings
Lair sheribu is still in the Boko Haram's den till today after he had paid them handsomely but that won't matter to you or buhari... I mean sheribu is a Christain..

To buhari you all are just lazy youths .... Except for Yusuf his son with no tangible job but owns choice houses everywhere and drives around with 50m naira power bike

if the PDP present a northerner as a president and an Igbo man as his vice,I will gladly vote buhari

We are being killed today, but he thinks that rewarding the dead will make right the sufferings we face today.

Aquariann:
Op your link ain't working. Abi na fake but you just add Saharareporters to look legit?

It is may be something de wrong,

lalasticlala

Aquariann:
Op your link ain't working. Abi na fake but you just add Saharareporters to look legit?

Incase
http://saharareporters.com/2018/06/06/%E2%80%98nice-move-we%E2%80%99ll-still-vote-you-out-2019%E2%80%99-%E2%80%94-how-nigerians-reacted-buhari%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98june-12

Omololu007:
if the PDP present a northerner as a president and an Igbo man as his vice,I will gladly vote buhari

My Yoruba Muslim friend

Even if Buhari was contesting against God himself...
You will vote Buhari
You don't have a say in it

zombieHUNTER:



My Yoruba Muslim friend

Even if Buhari was contesting against God himself...
You will vote Buhari
You don't have a say in it

if I'm not a Muslim,may tears of sorrow never depart from you for the rest of your life.

Omololu007:
if I'm not a Muslim,may tears of sorrow never depart from you for the rest of your life.

You might think you are not a Muslim because you go to church or ogun shrine....
It's all in the way you think and process thoughts
It's about the caliphate and it's interests
It's all you care about

Wait... You think if Buhari wasn't over seeing the killing of innocent Christians in the country that you will find him electable...

Useful idiots everywhere

Nice development from buhari, whether it was to please the west or garner votes for 2019 elections, having said that, it doesnt change the fact that most Nigerians are going through tough times already plus the rampaging killings being meted out by Fulani herdsmen .All the same good one

zombieHUNTER:


My Yoruba Muslim friends
The only reason you still want to vote Buhari again is because of the wanton killings of innocent Christians in the country... Nothing else
Buhari has achieved absolutely nothing in three years and has not fulfilled any of his campaign promises ...

A man who broke his own promise of stopping public office holders from seeking treatment abroad...
A man who promised to eradicate Boko Haram in two weeks and stop kidnappings
Lair sheribu is still in the Boko Haram's den till today after he had paid them handsomely but that won't matter to you or buhari... I mean sheribu is a Christain..

To buhari you all are just lazy youths .... Except for Yusuf his son with no tangible job but owns choice houses everywhere and drives around with 50m naira power bike

I would have taken you serious if you were this vocal when Boko Haram was killing and bombing all over the North during the past administration.

Or when GEJ went on "ogogoro" tourism and was too drunk to address an international audience.

Or when GEJ went dancing when the Chibok girls were missing.

Or when GEJ opened the national treasury for all to loot, almost ruining this nation in the process.

Buhari has his glaring faults but in the face of dwindling oil prices, if you fail to provide a better alternative to that old man that we all know should be retired, then Buhari retains it.

ba7man:
I would have taken you serious if you were this vocal when Boko Haram was killing and bombing all over the North during the past administration.

Or when GEJ went on "ogogoro" tourism and was too drunk to address an international audience.

Or when GEJ went dancing when the Chibok girls were missing.

Or when GEJ opened the national treasury for all to loot, almost ruining this nation in the process.

Buhari has his glaring faults but in the face of dwindling oil prices, if you fail to provide a better alternative to that old man that we all know should be retired, then Buhari retains it.

Why are you bringing another failure to the equation
That GEJ failed is not a must that Buhari would too..
He promised change remember?

For you to bring up the unnecessary comparison makes it easier for all to see that Buhari is a complete failure...

Seun; mynd44 go vote sepete

zombieHUNTER:


Why are you bringing another failure to the equation
That GEJ failed is not a must that Buhari would too..
He promised change remember?

For you to bring up the unnecessary comparison makes it easier for all to see that Buhari is a complete failure...

Ok....what options do we have on ground?

They are either inexperienced or the same old people that have put us in this mess.

We're currently stuck in a loop of choosing from the same pot.

ba7man:
Ok....what options do we have on ground?

They are either inexperienced or the same old people that have put us in this mess.

We're currently stuck in a loop of choosing from the same pot.

Wait till next year
A better option must surface
PDP is not the only opposition

Wadoooo lalasticlala

Very nice one from the president but a Greek gift

omowolewa:
Very nice one from the president but a Greek gift

Wetin dis mean oga, I no sabi book too much

PMB is going back to Daura come 2019. Nothing will stop his movement back to Daura