Deborah Akinyosoye
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said that a renewed commitment to democratic values, inclusive participation, and a transparent electoral process will propel the country on the path to true greatness.
The governor also encouraged the youths to take their rightful place in shaping the nation’s democratic journey, participate in civic dialogue, and hold leaders accountable not through cynicism, but through informed action.
He stated these, yesterday, in his address at the 2025 Democracy Day celebration, with the theme: “June 12: Electoral Reforms and Democratic Consolidation, Enhancing Voters’ Confidence Through Technology,” held at the Hubert Ogunde Hall, June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta.
Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, noted that the significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s democratic journey could not be overstated, as it represents both the fierce struggle and the meaningful progress Nigerians have made towards a more inclusive and participatory political order.
The governor, who noted that this year’s theme speaks to the evolving nature of democracy, said that though Nigeria had made commendable progress, people must acknowledge the ongoing challenges still facing it, such as malpractices, voter apathy, logistical issues, and electoral violence, which he noted, had eroded public trust and weakened the integrity of the nation’s democracy.
He noted that the state’s objective was not just to hold credible elections, but to build a democratic culture where every transition is peaceful.
Likewise, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, yesterday, congratulated Nigerians on the celebration of the June 12 Democracy Day, noting that 26 years of unbroken democracy is a great milestone for Nigeria.
Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, also hailed the pivotal role played by prominent democracy activists, including President Bola Tinubu, in joining other compatriots to fight for the restoration of civil rule in the country.
The governor noted that Tinubu was a prominent voice for the revalidation of the result of the June 12, 1993, presidential election result won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, who has been widely acknowledged as the symbol of the democracy being enjoyed by Nigerians.
The governor described June 12 as a watershed in the political history of Nigeria and a turning point in the nation’s political journey as a corporate entity.
In the same vein, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has stressed that Nigeria’s democratic journey, despite past setbacks, continues to yield the desired gains, which he said, must be actively consolidated to foster a more inclusive and accountable society.
Aiyedatiwa, while describing the annulled June 12, 1993, election, widely acclaimed as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, and won decisively by the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola as a defining watershed moment in the nation’s political history, lamented that the annulment robbed Nigeria of an opportunity for accelerated democratic development.
The governor spoke during the commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, which was held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure.
In his lecture titled “Losses and Gains in Relation to Today’s Democratic Realities in Nigeria”, Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, represented by Ondo State Attorney-General, Dr Kayode Ajulo, described June 12 as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and hope for a better Nigeria.