Why the answer is D, and why the others tempt you.
**The reasoning**
Nigeria's **current** democratic era began in **1999** when military rule ended and Olusegun Obasanjo was sworn in as civilian president on May 29, 1999. The key word here is "current" — meaning the uninterrupted democracy we're living in right now. Since 1999, Nigeria has maintained continuous civilian-to-civilian transfers of power (Obasanjo → Yar'Adua → Jonathan → Buhari → Tinubu). This is Nigeria's **Fourth Republic**, and it's the longest stretch of democratic governance in our nation's history.
**Why the wrong options tempt you**
- **A) 1979** was when the Second Republic started under Shehu Shagari, but it was cut short by a military coup in 1983.
- **B) 1983** was actually when democracy *ended* that year (Buhari's coup), not began.
- **C) 1993** saw the annulled June 12 election and brief Interim Government — democracy tried to start but was blocked by Abacha's regime.
These dates represent *past attempts* at democracy that failed. Only 1999 marks the start of our **ongoing** democratic journey.
**Quick takeaway**
When you see "current democratic era," think **1999 to present** — the Fourth Republic is Nigeria's longest-running democracy, still going strong today.
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