Marking the 2026 June 12 Democracy Day, the Lagos State Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Hon. Femi Olaniyi Ferrari, has called for a renewed commitment to credible elections, inclusive governance, and the preservation of Nigeria’s democratic ideals.
Speaking in Lagos, Ferrari, who is also the 2027 governorship candidate of the SDP described June 12 as more than a historical reference point, calling it a “covenant” between leaders and citizens that still demands fulfilment.
He said the 1993 election, widely associated with the mandate of MKO Abiola, represented a moment when Nigerians chose hope, unity, and social justice under the SDP platform.
According to him, the legacy of that election should not remain symbolic. He argued that the ideals behind it which are fairness, accountability, and government responsiveness must be actively reflected in today’s governance and electoral processes.
Ferrari outlined three key priorities for Lagos: strengthening credible and transparent elections, advancing people-centred policies that address unemployment and access to basic services, and promoting unity across ethnic and social lines. He stressed that “competence must always outweigh sentiment” in leadership choices.
He also turned attention to young Nigerians, urging them not to disengage from the political process. “June 12 is your inheritance,” he said, encouraging youth participation as essential to safeguarding democracy’s gains.
The address concluded with a reaffirmation of the SDP’s commitment in Lagos to what he called “keeping the flame of June 12 alive” through service-driven politics, integrity, and consistent advocacy for reform, while paying tribute to Abiola and other democracy figures linked to the 1993 Nigerian presidential election.
