June 12 Sacrifices Must Not Be in Vain, Says SDP’s Adebayo

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has called on Nigerians to remain committed to democratic values and resist actions capable of undermining the nation’s democratic gains, insisting that the sacrifices made by heroes of the June 12 struggle must not be wasted.

In a Democracy Day message released on Thursday to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Adebayo described the date as a powerful symbol of the people’s sovereignty and the enduring struggle for democratic governance in Nigeria.

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

According to him, the election presented Nigeria with a unique opportunity to become a model of democratic renewal in Africa at a period when many countries on the continent were still under military rule.

Adebayo said the annulment of the election by the military government represented a violation of both the Constitution and the will 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,” he said.

The SDP flagbearer paid tribute to Abiola, his wife, Kudirat Abiola, and numerous pro-democracy campaigners who paid a heavy price in the struggle for the restoration of civilian rule.

He also acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

Despite the return to democratic rule, Adebayo expressed concern that many of the challenges that existed before the historic election remain unresolved more than three decades later.

He criticised what he described as growing pressure on political parties, weakening of civil society, interference of security agencies in politics, poor internal democracy within parties, vote buying and election-related violence.

The former presidential candidate argued that honouring June 12 should go beyond the declaration of a public holiday and should instead be reflected in efforts to strengthen institutions, protect citizens’ rights and guarantee 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,” he said.

Adebayo further urged political leaders to uphold the provisions of Chapter Two of the Nigerian Constitution, particularly those relating to the welfare, security and wellbeing of citizens.

He maintained that Nigeria needs leaders elected through the genuine votes of the people and committed to deploying the nation’s resources for the benefit of all Nigerians.

While acknowledging that poverty, insecurity and economic hardship have weakened public confidence in democratic governance, Adebayo insisted that democracy remains the best system of government.

“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 stated.

He congratulated Nigerians on another Democracy Day celebration and expressed hope for a more prosperous and democratic future for the country.