ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Social Democratic Party presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo on Friday urged Nigerians to recommit themselves to democratic values, credible elections and constitutional governance as the nation marked the 33rd anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election.
In a Democracy Day message, Adebayo described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history and a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists in the struggle against military rule. He warned that the “labour of the nation’s democratic heroes must not be in vain,” noting that democratic deficiencies continue to challenge Nigeria’s progress.
The 1993 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, was won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the SDP but annulled by the military government, triggering years of political crisis and agitation for civilian rule. Abiola’s campaign message of “Farewell to Poverty” drew support across ethnic, religious and regional divides.
Adebayo condemned the annulment as a violation of the Constitution and the collective will of Nigerians. He paid tribute to Abiola, his wife Kudirat, and thousands of citizens who suffered persecution, imprisonment and death in the struggle to restore democracy. He also acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognizing June 12 as Democracy Day.
Despite Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999, Adebayo said many of the democratic shortcomings that characterized the pre June 12 era remain. He stressed that the true essence of the anniversary lies not in annual commemorations but in strengthening democratic institutions and protecting the electoral process.
“As we approach another general election, every Nigerian has a role to play in enthroning true democracy,” he said. “June 12 must not be in vain. The labour of our heroes past must not be allowed to go to waste.”
He further urged leaders to implement Chapter Two of the Nigerian Constitution, focusing on citizens’ welfare and security, and to ensure that governance reflects the genuine mandate of the people.
Globally, Nigeria’s Democracy Day is seen as a reminder of the country’s turbulent transition from military rule to civilian government, and of the continuing struggle to consolidate democratic practices in Africa’s most populous nation.
Adebayo added that Nigeria’s democratic journey remains incomplete without reforms that guarantee transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law. “I was born and raised under military rule, and I will never wish for that dark era to return,” he said. “We must confront the problems facing our democracy and ensure that Nigeria reaches the democratic destination our heroes fought for.”
