Marking Democracy Day, Adebayo Urges Protection of Democratic Principles

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… Says Nigeria Must Not Waste MKO Abiola’s Sacrifice

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By Henry Umoru

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ABUJA — The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party for the 2027 general elections, Adewole Adebayo, has called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to democracy, credible elections and constitutional governance, saying the country must not squander the sacrifices made by democratic heroes.

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In his Democracy Day message marking the anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, Adebayo described the date as a solemn reminder of the power of the people’s will and the sacrifices made in the struggle for democratic rule.

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He recalled that late M.K.O. Abiola contested the election on the platform of the SDP with a campaign anchored on “Farewell to Poverty,” and won widespread support across the country.

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According to him, the 1993 election represented a major opportunity for Nigeria to lead democratic renewal in Africa at a time when several countries were still under military rule.

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Adebayo said the annulment of the election was a betrayal of Nigeria’s constitutional order and the sovereignty of its people, stressing that the will of the electorate cannot be legitimately overturned.

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“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.

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The SDP candidate paid tribute to Abiola, his wife Kudirat Abiola, and other Nigerians who suffered or lost their lives in the struggle for democracy. He also acknowledged the late former President Muhammadu Buhari for formally recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

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Adebayo, however, expressed concern that more than three decades after the 1993 election, Nigeria still faces persistent democratic challenges.

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He criticised issues such as electoral manipulation, weak party democracy, political interference by security agencies, vote buying and violence, saying these undermine public trust in the system.

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According to him, Democracy Day should go beyond symbolic celebration and reflect in credible elections, strong institutions, and leadership accountable to the people.

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“As we approach another general election, every Nigerian has a role to play in strengthening democracy. June 12 must not be in vain,” he said.

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Adebayo also called for full implementation of Chapter Two of the Constitution, stressing that governance must prioritise the welfare, security and wellbeing of citizens.

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He said Nigeria must be governed by leaders chosen through genuine votes and committed to using national resources for public good.

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While acknowledging challenges such as poverty and insecurity, he insisted that democracy remains the best system of governance and must be protected.

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“I was born and raised under military rule, and I will never wish for that dark era to return. We must confront the problems of our democracy and ensure Nigeria reaches the democratic destination our heroes fought for,” he said.

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He congratulated Nigerians on the Democracy Day celebration and prayed for continued peace and progress in the country.

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