The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has called on Nigerians to recommit to democratic governance, credible elections, and constitutional rule, warning that the nation must not squander the sacrifices made during the June 12 struggle.
In a Democracy Day message marking the 33rd anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, Adebayo said the day remains a powerful reminder of the sovereignty of the Nigerian people and the enduring cost of democratic freedom.
He described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s history when Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, candidate of the Social Democratic Party, won a widely acclaimed election on the promise of “Farewell to Poverty,” only for it to be annulled by the military government.
According to him, the 1993 election represented a missed opportunity for Nigeria to lead democratic renewal across Africa at a critical time in the continent’s political evolution.
“June 12 reminds us that the people are the true owners of power. What happened in 1993 was not just the annulment of an election; it was a betrayal of the Constitution and the sovereignty of Nigerians,” he said.
Adebayo paid tribute to Abiola, his wife Kudirat Abiola, and other Nigerians who suffered or lost their lives in the struggle for the restoration of democracy, noting that their sacrifices must continue to shape national conscience.
He also commended the late former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
However, the SDP candidate expressed concern that more than three decades after the historic election, Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent democratic deficits, including weak institutions, electoral malpractice, and declining public trust.
He listed challenges such as political interference in civic space, vote buying, violence, weak internal party democracy, and undue influence by security agencies as threats to democratic consolidation.
Adebayo stressed that Nigeria cannot honour June 12 through ceremonial observance alone, insisting that the essence of the day lies in building a system where votes genuinely count and institutions function independently.
“As we approach another general election, every Nigerian has a role to play in enthroning true democracy. June 12 must not be in vain. The labour of our heroes past must not be allowed to go to waste,” he said.
He called for a government that fully upholds the provisions of Chapter Two of the Constitution, placing the welfare, security, and wellbeing of citizens at the centre of governance.
Adebayo further urged Nigerians to demand leaders who emerge through credible electoral processes and who are committed to using national resources for public good.
He said Nigeria also carries a historic responsibility to serve as a beacon of hope and democratic leadership for Africa and the global Black community.
“I was born and raised under military rule, and I will never wish for that dark era to return. We must confront the problems facing our democracy and ensure that Nigeria reaches the democratic destination our heroes fought for,” he said.
Adebayo congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day and prayed for continued peace, progress, and unity in the country.
