Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said Nigeria’s democratic journey, despite the losses suffered in the past, continues to yield gains that must be consolidated to build a more inclusive and accountable society.

He made the assertion during the commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, an event now recognised as Democracy Day held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure.

Aiyedatiwa described the June 12, 1993, presidential election, won by the late Chief MoshoodKashimawoOlawale (MKO) Abiola, as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political history.

He recalled that the election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the nation’s history, was annulled, thus denying the country an opportunity for a more accelerated democratic evolution.

“Today, we commemorate a pivotal moment in our democratic journey as a country. The June 12 election was not only a watershed that has had lasting impacts on our country’s democratic journey, it has strengthened our collective struggle for freedom, justice and the Rule of Law,” he said.

Reflecting on the theme of this year’s commemoration, ‘June 12: Losses and Gains in Relationship to Today’s Democratic Realities in Nigeria’, the Governor noted that the occasion was not only for remembrance but also a moment for reflection on how far the country has come.

He said the past interruptions to democratic rule had led to negative consequences such as economic stagnation, limited access to social services, weakened civic engagement, and widespread human rights abuses. However, he acknowledged that since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Nigeria has recorded considerable democratic progress.

“In spite of the challenges we faced, we have made notable progress in the consolidation of our democratic institutions. Citizens now enjoy greater freedom to express their opinions, assemble, and constructively criticise the government without fear of arrest or harassment,” he said.

In his lecture titled: “Losses and Gains in Relation to Today’s Democratic Realities in Nigeria,” Senate Leader, Senator OpeyemiBamidele, represented by Ondo State Attorney General, Dr. KayodeAjulo, described June 12 as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and hope for a better Nigeria.

He said the day invited reflection on the historic 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, which was annulled by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.

Abiodun Calls for Renewed Commitment to Democratic Values, Inclusive Participation

Ogun State Governor, DapoAbiodun, said a renewed commitment to democratic values, inclusive participation, and a transparent electoral process would propel the country on the path to true greatness.

The governor also encouraged the youth to take their rightful place in shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey, participate in civic dialogue, and hold leaders to account not through cynicism, but through informed action.

Abiodun stated this 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 Ogungbe Hall, June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta.

Represented by his Deputy, NoimotSalako-Oyedele, Abiodun noted that the significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s democratic journey could not be overstated, as it represented both the fierce struggle and the meaningful progress Nigerians have made towards a more inclusive and participatory political order.

“Today, we honour not just late MKO Abiola’s memory, but the courage of all who stood with him in pursuit of a democratic Nigeria. As we salute Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the pride of Ogun State and a martyr of democracy, we also acknowledge the efforts of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“A fellow soldier in the pro-democracy movement, President Tinubu now carries forward the ideals of that struggle through his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.”