On Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the Social Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, issued a stern reminder that the nation must honor the legacy of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. The June 12, 1993 election, which Abiola won, represented a golden moment for Nigeria to showcase democratic leadership in Africa and globally, especially when apartheid was still entrenched in South Africa and many African countries were governed by military regimes.
Adebayo condemned the annulment of that election by the military government as a direct assault on the constitution and the will of the Nigerian people. He emphasized that no authority can truly nullify the sovereign decision of the populace. June 12, he argued, serves as a powerful testament that power ultimately resides with the people.
The SDP chieftain warned that as the next general election approaches, every citizen must actively work to strengthen democracy. He urged that the sacrifices of past heroes, including Abiola, should not be squandered. In his words, the struggle for true democracy requires the participation of all Nigerians to ensure that the dreams of those who fought for democratic rule are realized.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his own Democracy Day address, called on Nigerians to maintain faith in the country despite ongoing challenges. Tinubu’s message echoed a theme of resilience, urging citizens to look beyond present difficulties and work collectively for a better future.