Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2027 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has declared that Nigeria's democratic journey remains unfinished 33 years after the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, warning that the country continues to grapple with many of the challenges that triggered the struggle for democratic governance.
In a Democracy Day message commemorating the June 12 anniversary, Adebayo described the annulled 1993 election, won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola under the SDP platform, as one of the most credible and significant democratic exercises in Nigeria's history.
According to him, the election symbolised hope not only for Nigerians but also for the African continent at a time when several countries were still under military rule and apartheid remained entrenched in South Africa.
Reflecting on the annulment of the election, Adebayo said the decision was a betrayal of the Nigerian people and an assault on their constitutional right to choose their leaders by ballot.
“No one can annul the will of the people,” he stated, maintaining that the actions of the military government and its allies disrupted what could have become Nigeria's defining democratic transition.
The SDP chieftain paid tribute to the late MKO Abiola and his wife, Kudirat Abiola, whose sacrifices he described as enduring symbols of Nigeria's democratic struggle.
He also acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognising June 12 as Nigeria's Democracy Day and honoured thousands of citizens who lost their lives in the fight for democratic rule.
Despite more than three decades of uninterrupted civilian governance, Adebayo argued that Nigeria has yet to fully realise the aspirations associated with June 12.
He expressed concern over what he described as declining democratic standards, alleging political interference in party affairs, shrinking civic participation, the involvement of security agencies in political matters, and persistent weaknesses in the country's electoral process.
According to him, vote-buying, political violence, and recurring concerns over election credibility continue to erode public confidence in democracy and prevent elections from reflecting the spirit and principles that defined the June 12 mandate.
Adebayo called on Nigerians to become active defenders of democracy by insisting on free, fair and credible elections, stressing that the future of the country depends on the collective commitment of citizens to democratic values and accountability.
He further argued that the next phase of Nigeria's democratic development should focus on implementing the provisions of Chapter Two of the Constitution, particularly those relating to citizens' welfare, security, economic opportunities and overall wellbeing.
The former presidential candidate said he envisions a Nigeria governed through transparent and credible elections, led by public officials committed to deploying national resources for the benefit of citizens while strengthening the country's leadership role across Africa.
While acknowledging the challenges of poverty, insecurity and declining public trust in institutions, Adebayo maintained that democracy remains the most viable path for Nigeria's progress.
“I was born and grew up under military rule. I will never wish for such a dark era to come back again,” he said.
He urged Nigerians not to abandon democracy because of its current shortcomings, but instead to confront the challenges undermining good governance and electoral integrity.
Reaffirming his commitment to the ideals of June 12, Adebayo declared that the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists, including MKO and Kudirat Abiola, must not be allowed to become meaningless.
“June 12, 1993, will not be in vain,” he said.
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