The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has urged Nigerians and the Federal Government to strengthen democratic governance and credible elections, warning that the sacrifices of the June 12, 1993 struggle must not be allowed to go in vain.
In his Democracy Day message marking the 33rd anniversary of the historic presidential election, Adebayo described June 12 as a lasting symbol of popular sovereignty and the painful cost paid by Nigerians in the fight for civil rule.
He recalled that the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, who contested the annulled 1993 election on the platform of the SDP, secured the mandate of Nigerians on a campaign anchored on “Farewell to Poverty,” earning nationwide support across ethnic and regional lines.
According to him, the election stood as a defining moment in Africa’s democratic journey, emerging at a time when several African countries were still under military regimes, while apartheid remained entrenched in South Africa.
Adebayo said the annulment of the poll by the military government amounted to a breach of the Constitution and a negation of the will of the people, stressing that no authority can legitimately override popular sovereignty.
“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.
The SDP candidate paid tribute to Chief MKO Abiola, his wife Kudirat Abiola, and other Nigerians who lost their lives or suffered repression during the struggle to reclaim the June 12 mandate.
He also acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari for formally declaring June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, describing it as a significant step in national recognition and healing.
However, Adebayo expressed concern that more than three decades after the landmark election, Nigeria still grapples with structural weaknesses in its democratic and electoral systems.
He cited vote buying, electoral violence, weak internal party democracy, interference in political processes, and shrinking civic space as persistent challenges undermining public trust in democracy.
Adebayo stressed that Democracy Day should not be reduced to ceremonial observance but must translate into a system where elections are genuinely free, fair, and reflective of the people’s will.
“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 the emergence of a government fully committed to implementing Chapter Two of the Constitution, particularly its provisions on the welfare, security, and wellbeing of citizens.
According to him, Nigeria requires leaders who emerge through credible elections and are committed to using national resources for the collective good of the people.
Adebayo also said Nigeria bears a historic responsibility to provide democratic inspiration and leadership to Africa and the global Black community.
While acknowledging challenges such as poverty, insecurity, and economic hardship, he maintained that democracy remains the most viable path to national progress.
“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.
He congratulated Nigerians on Democracy Day and prayed for continued peace, progress, and stability in the country.
