Thirty-three years after the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election shook Nigeria’s democratic foundations, the Social Democratic Party presidential candidate for 2027 general elections Prince Adewole Adebayo, has challenged Nigerians to revive the ideals that inspired the country’s pro-democracy struggle.
Marking Democracy Day, Adebayo said June 12 remains more than a historical milestone.
According to him, it is a reminder that the sovereignty of the nation rests with the people and that democratic governance must be protected through credible elections, constitutional rule and accountable leadership.
In a statement released in Abuja on Friday, the SDP chieftain described the annulment of the 1993 election as one of the darkest moments in Nigeria’s political history, arguing that it represented a direct assault on the constitutional rights and collective will of Nigerians.
He recalled that the late Chief MKO Abiola, who contested on the SDP platform with the popular “Farewell to Poverty” campaign, united Nigerians across ethnic, religious and regional lines in what is widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in the country’s history.
“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,” Adebayo stated.
The presidential candidate paid tribute to Abiola, his wife, Kudirat Abiola, and countless democracy activists who endured imprisonment, persecution and even death in the struggle to end military rule and restore democratic governance.
While acknowledging former President Muhammadu Buhari for recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Adebayo warned that the aspirations that fuelled the democratic struggle remain only partially fulfilled.
According to him, Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges that undermine democratic progress, including concerns over electoral credibility, institutional weakness and governance deficits.
He stressed that honouring June 12 requires more than annual ceremonies and public holidays. Rather, he said, the country must strengthen democratic institutions, safeguard the electoral process and ensure that public office reflects the genuine mandate of the people.
“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.
Adebayo further advocated the implementation of Chapter Two of the Nigerian Constitution, particularly the provisions dealing with citizens’ welfare, security and social justice, insisting that government must place the needs of the people at the centre of national development.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey from military dictatorship to civilian rule, he maintained that the country must confront the shortcomings of its democratic system and work towards the vision of inclusive governance for which June 12 heroes sacrificed.
“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 added.
This version reads more like a political news feature, emphasizing the tension between the symbolism of June 12 and the unfinished work of democratic reform.
