The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has called on Nigerians to recommit themselves to democratic values, credible elections and constitutional governance as the nation commemorates the 33rd anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election
He also warned that the labour of the nation’s democratic heroes must not be in vain, even as he expressed concern over persisting democratic deficiencies in the country.
In a Democracy Day message issued in Abuja on Friday, 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.
The June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll, was won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the Social Democratic Party.
However, the election was annulled by the military government, triggering a prolonged political crisis and nationwide agitation for the restoration of democratic rule.
Reflecting on the significance of the election, the SDP chieftain noted that Abiola contested on the platform of the SDP with the message of “Farewell to Poverty,” winning the support of Nigerians across ethnic, religious and regional divides.
Adebayo condemned the annulment of the election, describing it as a violation of the Constitution and the collective will of Nigerians.
He said, “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.”
The SDP presidential candidate paid tribute to Chief MKO Abiola, his wife, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, and thousands of Nigerians who suffered persecution, imprisonment and death in the struggle to restore democracy.
He also acknowledged the late President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
Despite Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999, Adebayo expressed concern that many of the democratic deficiencies that characterised the pre-June 12 era still persist.
He stressed that the true essence of June 12 goes beyond annual commemorations and public holidays, insisting that its ideals can only be honoured through the strengthening of democratic institutions and the protection of the electoral process.
“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.
The SDP flagbearer further called for a government committed to implementing Chapter Two of the Nigerian Constitution, particularly the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, with citizens’ welfare and security at the centre of governance.
According to him, Nigeria requires leaders elected through the genuine mandate of the people and committed to deploying the nation’s resources for the benefit of all citizens.
“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.
