Democracy Day: Why I rejected Tinubu’s national honour – Ex-NADECO Activist Ralph Obioha

ENUGU — Former National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) activist and pro-democracy advocate, Chief Ralph Obioha, has declined the national honour conferred on him by President Bola Tinubu during the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations, citing concerns over the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu and the worsening security situation in the country.

In a statement issued on Monday, Obioha expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Federal Government for the recognition but said accepting the award would be inconsistent with the democratic principles that guided the struggle against military rule.

The former lawmaker, who served in the National Assembly between 1979 and 1983, said he joined other pro-democracy activists during the June 12 struggle because they believed in a Nigeria founded on justice, freedom, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights.

According to him, freedom of expression was one of the core ideals of the democracy movement, stressing that criticism of government and dissenting views should not be seen as threats to democratic governance.

Obioha argued that he found it difficult to accept the honour while Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains in detention. He maintained that the issue raises broader concerns about justice, due process, and constitutional rights.

He called on President Tinubu to pursue a resolution that would promote national reconciliation, healing, and respect for democratic values.

The pro-democracy advocate also expressed concern over the country’s security challenges, noting that terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes continue to claim lives and displace communities across Nigeria.

He said many citizens remain anxious about their safety and urged government authorities to take more decisive steps to protect lives and property.

Obioha stressed that his decision to reject the national honour should not be interpreted as a personal attack on the President or a rejection of the institution of national honours.

Rather, he said, it was a principled stance rooted in the ideals of the June 12 struggle and the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the quest for democracy.

“To accept this honour at a time when many of the values for which we fought remain insufficiently realized would, in my view, be inconsistent with those convictions,” he stated.

He reaffirmed his commitment to democracy, justice, national unity, freedom of expression, and the advancement of a Nigeria where citizens enjoy equal protection under the law and live in peace, dignity, and security.

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