News Investigators/ The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in 2023, Adewole Adebayo, has urged Nigerians to renew their commitment to democracy, credible elections, constitutional governance and the welfare of the people.
Mr Adebayo made the call in a Democracy Day message issued on Friday in Abuja to mark the 33rd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
He described June 12 as a sacred reminder of the power of the people’s will and the sacrifices made by patriots in the struggle for democratic rule.
According to him, the June 12 election, won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola on the platform of the SDP, represented a historic opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate democratic leadership on the African continent.
Mr Adebayo said the annulment of the election by the military government was a betrayal of the Constitution and the sovereignty of Nigerians.
“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 chieftain paid tribute to the late MKO Abiola, his wife, Kudirat Abiola, and other Nigerians who made sacrifices in defence of democracy.
He also acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
Mr Adebayo, however, expressed concern that 33 years after the historic election, the country was still grappling with many democratic challenges.
He cited pressure on political parties, shrinking civic space, interference by law enforcement agencies in politics, and weak internal party democracy.
Other challenges listed as major concerns included vote buying, electoral violence and lack of credibility in elections as major concerns.
Mr Adebayo said that Nigeria could not truly honour June 12 by merely observing a public holiday, but by building a political system where votes count, institutions remain independent and leaders emerge through free, fair and credible elections.
“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.
Mr Adebayo called for a government that would uphold the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Chapter Two of the Constitution, priortising the welfare, security and wellbeing of citizens at the centre of governance.
He said Nigeria needed leaders who would faithfully implement the Constitution and utilise the nation’s resources for the benefit of the people.
The SDP former presidential candidate added that Nigeria had a responsibility to project hope, dignity and leadership to Africa and the global Black community.
While acknowledging that poverty, insecurity and other national challenges had weakened public confidence in democracy, Adebayo maintained that democratic governance remained the best option for the country.
“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.
Mr Adebayo congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day and prayed for peace, progress and prosperity in the country.
NAN