Adebayo Marks Democracy Day, Calls for Stronger Institutions and Credible Elections

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has called on Nigerians to defend democracy and ensure that the sacrifices made during the June 12 struggle are not wasted.

Adebayo made the call in his Democracy Day message issued in Abuja to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
In the statement, he described June 12 as a symbol of the power of the people and the enduring struggle for democratic governance in Nigeria.
He recalled that the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola contested the election on the platform of the SDP with the campaign message, “Farewell to Poverty,” and received overwhelming support from Nigerians across the country.
According to Adebayo, the election presented Nigeria with a historic opportunity to demonstrate democratic leadership in Africa at a time when many nations on the continent were still under military rule.
He noted that the annulment of the election by the military government amounted to a betrayal of both the Constitution and the sovereignty of the Nigerian people.
“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 stated.
The SDP flag bearer paid tribute to Abiola, his wife, and thousands of Nigerians who suffered persecution while defending democratic rule.
He also acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
However, Adebayo expressed concern that more than three decades after the historic election, Nigeria continues to grapple with significant democratic challenges.
He identified political interference, weak internal party democracy, vote buying, electoral violence, intimidation of civil society organisations, and declining public confidence in elections as major threats to democratic development.
The statement stressed that Nigeria cannot truly honour June 12 simply by declaring a public holiday, but by building institutions that guarantee credible elections, independent governance, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
As preparations for another general election gather momentum, Adebayo urged Nigerians to play active roles in strengthening democracy and protecting the sanctity of the ballot.
He further called for a government committed to implementing the fundamental objectives and directive principles outlined in Chapter Two of the Constitution, with the welfare, security, and wellbeing of citizens as top priorities.
While acknowledging the widespread challenges of poverty and insecurity, Adebayo maintained that democracy remains the best system of government and urged Nigerians to remain committed to the democratic ideals for which the heroes of June 12 made sacrifices.