The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has urged Nigerians to recommit themselves to credible elections, constitutional governance, and citizen-focused leadership, warning that the sacrifices made by democracy heroes, including MKO Abiola, must not be allowed to go in vain.
In a statement marking the 33rd anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, Adebayo described the date as a powerful symbol of the people’s democratic will and the immense sacrifices made by patriots who fought for democratic governance in Nigeria.
Recalling the significance of the annulled election, the SDP flagbearer noted that Abiola contested under the SDP platform with the popular “Farewell to Poverty” campaign, which united Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and regional divides. According to him, the election represented a unique opportunity for Nigeria to emerge as a democratic model for Africa and the global Black community.
Adebayo, however, condemned the annulment of the election by the military government, describing it as a grave violation of democratic principles and the constitutional rights of Nigerians.
“June 12 reminds us that the people are the true owners of power. What happened in 1993 was not merely the cancellation of an election; it was a betrayal of the Constitution and the sovereignty of Nigerians,” he said.
The SDP candidate paid tribute to Abiola, his late wife, Kudirat Abiola, and thousands of pro-democracy activists who sacrificed their freedom and lives during the struggle for democratic rule. He also commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognizing June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
Despite Nigeria’s return to civilian rule, Adebayo expressed concern over what he described as lingering democratic deficiencies more than three decades after the June 12 election.
He criticized several practices he believes continue to undermine democracy, including political intimidation, interference in party affairs, suppression of civil society groups, abuse of security agencies, weak internal party democracy, vote buying, and electoral violence.
According to him, merely declaring public holidays or holding commemorative events is not enough to honour those who fought for democracy.
“We cannot honour June 12 by simply observing a public holiday. We must build a system where votes truly count, institutions operate independently, citizens are protected, and leaders emerge through free, fair, and credible elections,” Adebayo stated.
As Nigeria looks ahead to future elections, he called on citizens to actively safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and uphold democratic values.
“Every Nigerian has a responsibility to strengthen democracy. June 12 must not be in vain. The sacrifices of our heroes must yield the democratic future they envisioned,” he said.
Adebayo also advocated for a government that prioritizes the welfare, security, and well-being of citizens in line with the provisions of Chapter Two of the Nigerian Constitution.
While acknowledging that widespread poverty and insecurity have weakened public confidence in democratic institutions, he rejected any suggestion of a return to military rule.
Drawing from personal experience, he said he grew up under military governments and would never support a return to that era, insisting that Nigeria must confront its democratic challenges and fulfil the aspirations of those who fought for freedom and democratic governance.
He concluded by congratulating Nigerians on the Democracy Day anniversary and expressing hope for the nation’s continued progress.
