‘Defend Our Democracy’: Tinubu, Governors Rally Nigerians On June 12

 

State governors across Nigeria have urged citizens to embrace unity, peace, patriotism and democratic values as the country commemorates the 2026 Democracy Day anniversary, paying tribute to the sacrifices of the heroes of the June 12 struggle. 

In separate Democracy Day messages, the governors described June 12 as a symbol of courage, freedom and the collective determination of Nigerians to defend democratic ideals.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the day celebrates “the enduring spirit of a people who chose democracy and stood firm in its defence”.

He noted that June 12 serves as a reminder that freedom, justice, and the right of citizens to have their voices heard were secured through courage and sacrifice, honouring Chief MKO Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, and other democracy heroes.

Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to uphold the values of respect, active citizenship, accountability, and shared progress, adding that the country’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths.

 

Sanwo-Olu (Photo by X/@jidesanwoolu)

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On his part, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, called for renewed patience, prayers, patriotism and law-abiding conduct, describing democracy as a journey that requires collective effort, sacrifice and understanding from all citizens.

“A peaceful and law-abiding society is the foundation upon which democracy thrives,” he said, urging residents to live harmoniously and report security threats through appropriate channels.

The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving living standards through investments in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, water supply, and social welfare programmes, while stressing that democracy should be used responsibly to build “a Kebbi and a Nigeria we can all be proud of”.

 

His Rivers State counterpart, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, described democracy as Nigeria’s strongest path to unity, progress and prosperity, saying June 12 embodies the nation’s enduring struggle for freedom, justice and representative governance.

He paid tribute to MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola and other pro-democracy activists whose sacrifices secured the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today. According to him, despite challenges, the country’s democratic journey has continued to evolve through resilient institutions and the determination of its people.

Fubara stressed that Nigeria’s diversity should be regarded as its greatest asset, saying democracy provides the framework to promote inclusion, strengthen national unity and achieve sustainable development. He also urged citizens to view democracy beyond periodic elections, emphasising accountability, transparency, tolerance, justice and respect for the rule of law.

 

Meanwhile, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has described Democracy Day as an opportunity to honour those who fought against authoritarian rule and to recommit to national unity and constitutional governance.

Reflecting on the June 12, 1993, presidential election and the sacrifices of pro-democracy campaigners, he warned against anti-democratic tendencies and any romanticisation of military rule, insisting that democracy remains the most effective system for managing Nigeria’s diversity and protecting fundamental rights.

As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum, Sani urged politicians and citizens alike to place national interest above partisan considerations, stressing that “Nigeria must remain united, peaceful and indivisible”.

Similarly, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma said democracy has provided Nigerians with unifying and collective choices that have strengthened nation-building through participation, dialogue and a shared commitment to progress.

While acknowledging that significant development challenges remain, he maintained that the country’s democratic journey has consistently demonstrated resilience, determination and capacity for growth, urging Nigerians to keep faith in democratic institutions and continue supporting ideals that promote unity, stability and national development.

Alex Otti

 

For Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Nigerians should use Democracy Day as a moment for reflection on the country’s democratic journey since the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

Otti argued that democracy itself has not failed but that leadership and collective decisions have often fallen short of its ideals. The governor urged citizens to remain vigilant, actively participate in governance and reject electoral malpractice, warning that accepting inducements for votes undermines accountable governance.

The governors urged Nigerians to preserve the ideals of June 12 by promoting peace, unity, tolerance, and active civic participation while working together to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.

 

Tinubu, Akume Call For Stronger Democracy

 

In the meantime, President Bola Tinubu has praised Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule and urged citizens to defend the country’s democratic institutions.

Tinubu, in his Democracy Day address, paid tribute to MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola and other pro-democracy heroes, while encouraging young Nigerians to remain in the country and contribute to its development.

The President also defended his administration’s economic and security reforms, saying they had improved government revenue, investor confidence, and the fight against terrorism, although he acknowledged that many Nigerians still face economic hardship.

Similarly, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the country’s democracy is “worth defending” despite existing challenges.

Speaking at a Democracy Day public lecture in Abuja, he urged Nigerians to strengthen democratic institutions and safeguard the nation’s civil rule, while stressing that democracy is meaningful only when every vote counts.

Protesters Demand Action on Insecurity

 

The Democracy Day celebration also witnessed peaceful #EndBadGovernance protests in Lagos, where activists and civil society groups demanded urgent action on insecurity, unemployment and the rising cost of living.

Protesters carried placards calling for the release of kidnapping victims and an end to anti-people policies, while human rights lawyer Femi Falana and rapper Falz joined the demonstration. Security personnel monitored the protest, even as another group expressed support for the government’s reforms.

June 12 commemorates the 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.

 

 

The poll was largely believed to have been won by the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, but its annulment by the military government triggered a prolonged political crisis and intensified the struggle for the restoration of democracy.

Although Nigeria previously observed Democracy Day on May 29, former President Muhammadu Buhari moved the celebration to June 12 in 2018 to recognise the significance of the 1993 election and the sacrifices of pro-democracy campaigners.

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