I Almost Contested for President After June 12 Struggle - Soyinka

Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has revealed that he briefly considered running for Nigeria’s presidency in the wake of the June 12 pro-democracy struggle but eventually abandoned the idea after intense personal reflection.

Speaking on Saturday during a media interaction at Freedom Park, Lagos, at an event tagged “June 12: Romancing the Embers”, Soyinka said he toyed with the idea for just 36 hours before concluding it was not his path.

“For about 36 hours, I actually considered it. I felt there was a sense of duty. But at the end of it, I told myself, ‘Wole Soyinka, you must be crazy,’” he recounted. “I had to return to where I truly belong—my writing. I’m not a politician.”

The forum followed President Bola Tinubu’s recent conferment of national honours on several individuals regarded as heroes of the June 12 democratic movement.

Soyinka explained that while he was deeply involved in the struggle for democracy after the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, he never viewed himself as someone meant for political office.

He also criticized those who downplay the importance of the June 12 movement, accusing them of distorting history and undermining democratic values.

“There are still many misunderstandings about June 12, even among those who took part in the movement. Some people joined for personal reasons—some to settle scores, some out of anger against military oppression,” he said.

The renowned playwright did not shy away from calling out opportunism and betrayal that plagued the struggle. According to him, the movement was marred by treachery, inconsistencies, and a wave of self-interest that led to the suffering and deaths of many.

“Some now pretend to be what they were not during that era, using the legacy of June 12 to pursue personal political goals,” he said. “If you didn’t take part in the struggle, then don’t trivialize it.”

Soyinka maintained that attempts to twist the significance of the date for selfish political gains amount to an assault on the country’s democratic history.

He emphasized the need to keep the spirit of June 12 alive through public commemorations, civic actions, and the recognition of those who paid the ultimate price for Nigeria’s democracy.

“June 12 must be remembered through formal recognitions, civic engagements, and moments of reflection. That’s how the legacy can be preserved,” he said.

Addressing the recent roll-out of national honours, Soyinka acknowledged that some deserving figures may have been omitted but advised that the awardees should be seen as representatives of a broader movement that cut across all walks of life.

He also took a swipe at some young Nigerians who appear indifferent to the significance of June 12, calling such attitudes a product of ignorance and failed education policies.

“Many Nigerians today were not even born when June 12 happened. But that’s not an excuse for ignorance,” Soyinka said. 

“If you don’t know, ask questions. Be curious. Don’t just dismiss what you don’t understand.”

He blamed successive governments for erasing history from school curricula, which, according to him, has contributed to the disconnection between younger generations and the nation’s past struggles.

“When history was removed from the curriculum, a crime was committed against education and against the youth. Without access to the past, how can they understand the present?” he asked.

Soyinka urged young people to seek knowledge and show responsibility in their engagement with national issues. 

“We were curious about our past—about colonialism and independence. That curiosity shaped us. The youth must rediscover that spirit,” he concluded.