PrinceAdewole Adebayo
Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has urged Nigerians to rise in defence of democracy, warning that the sacrifices made by MKO Abiola and other heroes of the June 12 struggle must not be allowed to fade into history or be undermined by present-day democratic shortcomings.
In a Democracy Day message marking the 33rd anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Adebayo described the historic vote as more than a political event, calling it a defining moment that revealed the true power of the Nigerian people and their determination to shape their own destiny.
According to him, June 12 remains one of the strongest symbols of national unity ever witnessed in Nigeria, as millions of citizens rose above ethnic, religious and regional divisions to support a common democratic vision.
Adebayo recalled that Abiola, who contested the election on the platform of the Social Democratic Party under the famous slogan “Farewell to Poverty,” inspired unprecedented national support and offered Nigerians hope for a more prosperous and inclusive future.
He argued that the election presented Nigeria with a historic opportunity to emerge as a leading democratic force on the African continent at a time when many countries were still under military rule and democratic governance remained fragile across much of Africa.
However, he said the annulment of the election by the military government represented one of the darkest moments in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“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 glowing tribute to Abiola, his wife, Kudirat Abiola, and countless Nigerians who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile and even death in the struggle to restore democratic rule.
He also acknowledged the role played by Muhammadu Buhari in formally recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
But Adebayo warned that more than three decades after the historic election, Nigeria continues to grapple with many of the same challenges that once threatened democratic governance.
He expressed concern over what he described as increasing pressure on political parties, weak internal democracy, voter manipulation, electoral violence, shrinking civic space and declining public confidence in electoral outcomes.
According to him, true respect for the legacy of June 12 cannot be achieved through ceremonies and public holidays alone.
Rather, he said, Nigeria must build a political system where every vote counts, democratic institutions operate independently, citizens enjoy equal protection under the law and leaders emerge through genuinely 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.”
Adebayo called for a government firmly anchored on the provisions of Chapter Two of the Constitution, insisting that the welfare, security and wellbeing of citizens must become the central purpose of governance.
He maintained that Nigeria’s vast human and natural resources should be deployed to improve the lives of ordinary citizens rather than serve narrow political interests.
The SDP presidential candidate further argued that Nigeria carries a unique responsibility to provide democratic leadership and hope, not only for its citizens but for Africa and the wider Black community.
While acknowledging widespread frustration caused by poverty, insecurity and economic hardship, Adebayo insisted that democracy remains the most viable path to national renewal.
“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 surrender to cynicism or despair, stressing that the vision championed by Abiola and other democracy advocates remains achievable if citizens remain committed to defending democratic values and holding leaders accountable.
Adebayo concluded by congratulating Nigerians on Democracy Day and expressing hope that the spirit of June 12 would inspire a renewed commitment to justice, freedom, national unity and good governance.