By Dayo Johnson
As Nigeria marked the 2026 Democracy Day, leaders across the country reflected on the nation’s democratic journey, urging vigilance, unity, welfare and accountability. Governors, civil society groups, political actors, and pro-democracy movements, all reflecting on 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, emphasizing that democracy remains the nation’s best hope for progress, while warning against apathy, insecurity, and divisive politics.
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As Abia’s Governor Alex Otti declared, “It is not democracy that has failed; we have only been let down by errors in our individual and collective decisions.” Similarly, Benue’s Governor Hyacinth Alia hailed the passage of the State Police Bill as a “landmark achievement” that would strengthen grassroots security.
Civil society groups also used the occasion to demand accountability as they marched in protest against rising insecurity, with Comrade Kola Ibrahim insisting, “We are demanding the release of all kidnapped and abducted Nigerians, especially our school children, our future, and their teachers.”
Meanwhile, PDP candidate Toyin Amuzu in Ogun provided free fuel to transport operators, stressing that “the essence of democracy is the welfare of the people.”
State police is step toward grassroots security — Afenifere
Afenifere has described June 12, 1993 as the watershed of Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting that it proved Nigerians’ determination to take control of their destiny after years of military rule. Chief Sola Ebiseni, the group’s Secretary General, explained that while October 1, 1960 marked independence from colonial rule, June 12 symbolized citizens’ resolve to freely choose their leaders. He recalled his role as SDP chairman in Ilaje/Ese-Odo and coordinator of Abiola’s Hope 93 campaign, stressing that many current leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, trace their political roots to that struggle.
“The spirit of peaceful, free, fair and credible elections that June 12 represented should guide all participants toward the 2027 elections,” he said, adding that the day embodies a social contract where citizens’ votes must translate into protection of lives, property, and “life more abundant.”
He urged politicians and elites to recognize Nigeria is “in a state of war” and unite for sovereignty, while commending the push for state police as a step toward grassroots security. Above all, he insisted that June 12’s core message is restructuring Nigeria’s federation to achieve true federalism. “June 12 reminds us that governance belongs to civil society, while the armed forces must focus on security and defence of territorial integrity,” he declared.
Let’s repeat the 1993 credible election in 2027 — Peter Obi
THE Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC ahead of 2027 polls, Peter Obi called on Nigerians to let this year’s Democracy day celebration be a critical assessment of the nation’s political landscape by repeating the 1993 credible election next year.
Writing on his X handle yesterday, the former Anambra State governor said, “Today, we are observing a day that should mean a lot to us as a people who cherish democratic principles. Every year on June 12, the conversation inevitably turns to a critical assessment of the state of the nation. It serves as an annual baseline for asking: Are our current elections as transparent as they were in 1993? Is the social contract being honoured? Are the institutions of governance truly serving the people?
“Ultimately, June 12 is a powerful blend of reflection and aspiration. It honours a fractured past while serving as a constant, foundational reminder of the immense power inherent in the collective democratic will of the Nigerian people.
“For us in Nigeria, June 12 is not merely a date on the calendar; it is the emotional and structural bedrock of the modern democratic identity. Officially recognised as Democracy Day, June 12 carries deep historical, political, and social weight, representing both a monumental tragedy and the ultimate triumph of the collective citizen will,” Obi said.
Democracy remains Nigeria’s best path to progress — Otti
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, declared that democracy remains Nigeria’s best path to development, stressing that “it is not democracy that has failed; we have only been let down by errors in our individual and collective decisions.” He warned against electoral apathy and vote trading, insisting that “the only reward for electoral indifference is misery.”
Reflecting on the sacrifices of the June 12 heroes and other pro-democracy activists, Otti said the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today were purchased with the sweat, tears and even the lives of patriots who resisted military dictatorship.
The governor also urged Nigerians to reject both unrealistic political promises and excuses for incompetence, stressing that while progress may be gradual, governments must be held accountable for delivering results.
Gov Alia hails passage of State Police Bill
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, hailed the passage of the State Police Bill as a “landmark achievement,” noting that “with appropriate safeguards, accountability mechanisms, and constitutional checks, state police can complement existing security agencies, improve intelligence gathering, and promote quicker responses to threats.”
The Governor during his Democracy Day broadcast to the people of Benue State, commended federal lawmakers for a courageous and forward-looking decision aimed at improving security across the country.
Governor Alia said the proposed state police structure recognizes the need for a policing system that is closer to the people and better positioned to respond to the unique security concerns of individual states and communities.
Tompolo urges Nigerians to embrace active participation, unity
The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement has joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating Democracy Day, describing June 12 as a symbol of the nation’s democratic struggle, resilience, and commitment to constitutional governance.
The group, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mr Sunday Adekanbi Asuku, said June 12 represents more than a date on Nigeria’s calendar, noting that it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists and citizens who fought for democratic rule.
The movement, led by its Grand Patron and founder, Dr. Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, said the celebration of 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule offers an opportunity to honour the heroes of democracy, appreciate the nation’s progress, and renew hope for a better future.
The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement described June 12 as “a living covenant between leaders and citizens,” commending President Bola Tinubu’s democratic legacy.
Freedom is never given, it must be demanded by the oppressed — Retd General Ijioma
Also, retired General Ijioma N. Ijioma, APP governorship candidate, reminded citizens that “freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed,” calling June 12 a symbol of resilience and urging Nigerians to defend democracy through responsible leadership.
Marking the day which coincides with his birthday, the retired General described June 12, 1993, as a defining moment in Nigeria’s history when citizens rose above ethnic, religious and social differences to collectively affirm their commitment to democratic governance.
Let’s keep faith alive — Gov Uzodimma
In his own message, the Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma emphasized that democracy has provided Nigerians with “choices that are unifying and collective,” while praising Tinubu’s “transformative reforms across various sectors.”
The Chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum and Director General of Renewed Hope Ambassadors therefore invited Nigerians to keep faith in the Country’s democratic system in general, and the President Bola Tinubu’s administration in particular, by supporting his progressive ideals and reforms that have aided the promotion of national unity, stability and development.
“We have built and sustained a system driven by the people, and with each passing day, we improve upon the efforts of the previous one.
“Our democratic journey has not been without challenges, but it has consistently demonstrated our resilience, determination, and capacity for growth.
“Under the #RenewedHope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a steadfast democrat and one of the heroes of the democracy we enjoy today, we have witnessed transformative reforms across various sectors. These reforms are focused on positioning Nigeria to offer hope, opportunities, and assurance of growth for every Nigerian.
“As we commemorate Democracy Day, let us keep faith alive in the system we are building and continue to support progressive ideals that promote the unity, stability, and development of our nation. “Happy Democracy Day,” he said.
Amuzu gives relief to motorists in Ogun
In Ogun State, PDP candidate Chief Toyin Amuzu marked the day with grassroots support, distributing free fuel to 600 transport operators. “The essence of democracy is the welfare of the people. It is about improving lives and giving hope to the ordinary citizen,” he said.
The intervention programme, which lasted two days, saw 200 commercial taxi drivers receive fuel worth N10,000 each, while 400 commercial motorcycle riders were given fuel valued at N5,000 each, offering relief to beneficiaries amid prevailing economic challenges.
Remain vigilant, united, committed to democratic institutions — Okpebholo
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, his deputy, and Senator Joseph Ikpea echoed calls for unity and vigilance, stressing that “June 12 reminds us that democracy is not a destination but a continuous journey.”
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, Okpebholo called on Nigerians to remain vigilant, united, and committed to strengthening democratic institutions as the country confronts insecurity, economic challenges and threats to public trust.
He said June 12 should serve not only as a remembrance of the sacrifices made by heroes of democracy, but also as a call to action for citizens and leaders to safeguard the nation’s democratic gains.
Reflecting on the significance of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the struggle led by Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other pro-democracy activists, Governor Okpebholo, said the lessons of that era remain relevant as Nigeria navigates contemporary challenges.
“June 12 reminds us that democracy is not a destination but a continuous journey. The sacrifices of our democratic heroes secured our freedom to choose our leaders, but the responsibility of protecting and strengthening our institutions rests on all of us,” he said.
Civil society groups stage peaceful protest
Meanwhile, Civil society groups in Osun State marked the 33rd anniversary of June 12 with a peaceful protest against rising insecurity. The coalition, which included OCSC, Take It Back Movement, FIWON, and others, marched through major streets of Osogbo, chanting solidarity songs to demand urgent government action.
Addressing the crowd, Comrade Kola Ibrahim said, “We are demanding the release of all kidnapped and abducted Nigerians, especially our school children, our future, and their teachers. If we already have 19 million children out of school and those in school are being kidnapped, what is now the future of education in Nigeria?”
He condemned the disparity in government response, noting that while ordinary citizens remain in captivity for weeks, elites often get swift rescue.
Chairman of the Osun Civil Society Coalition, Comrade Waheed Lawal, emphasized that security is a constitutional duty of government. “The laws say government should provide security for the lives and property of citizens and their welfare. The government has failed to provide security for the people. We don’t want to lose any lives again. We want the government to secure the release of all abductees currently in captivity,” he declared.
Niger-Delta reaping democracy dividends under President Bola Tinubu — PAP
Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), said the Niger Delta is reaping democracy dividends under President Bola Tinubu.
In his Democracy Day 2026 message, Otuaro described June 12 as “a historic rallying point for Nigeria’s democratic advancement and the cornerstone of citizens’ freedom of choice in credible elections.”
He paid tribute to Chief MKO Abiola and other martyrs of democracy, noting that their sacrifices birthed the system Nigerians enjoy today. Commending Tinubu’s support for PAP, he revealed that “over 8,235 undergraduate and post-graduate students are currently on the scholarship scheme, studying industry-relevant courses in foreign and local universities. This is as a result of President Tinubu’s unprecedented support for the programme.”
He added that the budget increase has expanded vocational training and empowerment opportunities for ex-agitators and youths.
, Henry Umoru, Shina Abubakar, Peter Duru, Henry Obetta, Steve Oko, James Ogunnaike & Ozioruva Aliu contributed to this report.
