President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the National Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (Rtd), in recognition of his historic role in defending democratic principles during military rule and his significant contributions to the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.
The President announced on Thursday during the commissioning of developmental projects and the launch of 100 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses in Kaduna State.
The President, in his speech, acknowledged the oversight and offered a public apology, stating, “Let me use this opportunity to correct an omission. Some of those people that I missed out on during the June 12 broadcast at the National Assembly are Colonel Dangiwa. Today, let me correct that by honouring him with the National Recognition of CFR.”
President Tinubu honours Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar(Rtd), a June 12 campaigner with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). President Tinubu announced the honour today in an address at the commissioning of a 300-bed hospital and vocational… pic.twitter.com/sETseD9YyN
— Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) June 19, 2025
President Tinubu lauded Rtd Col. Dangiwa for his dedication to Nigeria’s democracy, saying his contributions could not be forgotten in the narrative of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Notably, Col. Umar Dangiwa opposed the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election, which he viewed as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history.
He sought support within the military to install the elected president, M.K.O. Abiola, and was detained briefly on suspicion of conspiracy before resigning his commission later that year.
After retiring, Umar became a social critic and founded the Movement for Unity and Progress political party.
He is now remembered as a courageous figure who stood for democracy and national unity during turbulent times in Nigeria’s history.