Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has called on Nigerians to defend democracy and safeguard the gains of the June 12 struggle, warning that the sacrifices made by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and other pro-democracy heroes must not be betrayed.
In a Democracy Day message commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, Adebayo said Nigerians must move beyond symbolic celebrations and recommit themselves to the ideals of free and credible elections, constitutional governance, and the supremacy of the people’s will.
According to him, June 12 remains one of the most significant milestones in Nigeria’s political history because it demonstrated the power of national unity and democratic choice.
He recalled that MKO Abiola, who contested the election on the platform of the Social Democratic Party with the campaign message, “Farewell to Poverty,” earned the support of millions of Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and regional lines.
Adebayo described the election as a defining moment that offered Nigeria an opportunity to become a leading democratic example for Africa and the wider world at a time when many countries on the continent remained under military rule.
However, he said the annulment of the election by the military government represented a direct assault on democracy and the sovereignty of the Nigerian people.
“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.”
The SDP flagbearer paid tribute to MKO Abiola, his wife, Kudirat Abiola, and thousands of Nigerians who suffered persecution, imprisonment, and death in the struggle to restore democratic rule.
He also acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari for recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s official Democracy Day.
Despite Nigeria’s return to civilian rule, Adebayo expressed concern that many of the challenges that undermined democratic development decades ago still persist.
He pointed to political interference in democratic institutions, vote-buying, electoral violence, weak internal democracy within political parties, and the intimidation of opposition voices as evidence that the country’s democratic journey remains unfinished.
According to him, the best way to honour the legacy of June 12 is to ensure that every vote counts and that elected leaders derive their authority solely from the genuine choice 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.”
Adebayo urged Nigerians to remain vigilant in defence of democratic institutions and to reject any attempt to weaken the electoral process or undermine constitutional governance.
He further called for a government committed to implementing the provisions of Chapter Two of the Nigerian Constitution, particularly those relating to the welfare, security, and wellbeing of citizens.
According to him, Nigeria’s vast resources should be deployed to improve the lives of ordinary people rather than serve political interests.
While acknowledging growing frustration caused by poverty, insecurity, and economic hardship, Adebayo insisted that democracy remains the best system for addressing the nation’s challenges.
“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 urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the democratic project, insisting that the nation still possesses the capacity to achieve the vision for which Abiola and countless others sacrificed.
Adebayo congratulated Nigerians on Democracy Day and prayed for peace, unity, and prosperity across the country.