…says economic hardship not enough reason to reject democracy

A keynote speaker at the June 12 Democracy Day lecture organised by the Ondo State Government, Senator Adams Oshiomhole has urged Nigerians to continue defending democracy despite prevailing economic challenges, stressing that the nation’s democratic journey remains the best option for sustainable development and national stability.

Speaking on the theme, “June 12 and Beyond: Reflecting on the Progress of Democracy and Security Concerns,” the former Governor of Edo State and former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress said the annual commemoration of June 12 serves as a reminder of the courage, sacrifice and commitment demonstrated by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola in the struggle for democratic governance.

According to him, celebrating Abiola is not merely about remembering a political figure but honouring the values of courage, consistency and principled leadership that he embodied.

He noted that Abiola remained steadfast in his conviction even when faced with enormous pressure from the military regime under the late General Sani Abacha.

He opined that if Abiola had believed that the end justifies the means, he would have accepted the billions of naira from the military authorities, noting that Abacha was prepared to do anything for MKO Abiola except tolerate his insistence on proclaiming himself the duly elected President of Nigeria.

The Senator representing Edo North maintained that Abiola could have monetised his mandate and compromised with the military government, but chose instead to stand firm on democratic principles.

He warned against the growing tendency to commercialise every aspect of public life, stressing that not everything should be measured in monetary terms.

Reflecting on the role of citizens in nation-building, he observed that Nigeria is blessed with individuals who command respect across religious, ethnic and political divides, adding that national development should not be driven solely by religious considerations and faith.

This he said was demonstrated by about 18milllion Nigerians who voted for Abiola regardless of ethnic and religion affiliations.

The keynote speaker acknowledged the frustrations faced by many Nigerians arising from economic hardship and insecurity but insisted that democracy remains the most viable path for addressing the country’s challenges.

“In our moments of frustration and poverty, democracy still has no alternative,” he stated.

Assessing Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, he said the country has recorded notable progress, although the pace of development has fallen short of expectations.

He pointed to improvements in governance and development across various states, including Ondo State, noting that sustained changes have occurred since the return to democratic rule.
“There have been sustained changes in Ondo State between 1999 and now, and there will continue to be changes. We may not have reached our destination yet, but progress has been made. As a nation, we could have moved faster, but we must acknowledge the gains recorded,” he said.

The speaker also highlighted the decline in politically motivated killings that once characterised Nigeria’s political landscape, attributing the development to the entrenchment of democratic institutions.

According to him, the era of widespread political assassinations has largely faded as democracy continues to deepen across the country, noting that the presence of democracy gives room for activism where the likes of Sowore are constantly confronting the government without any attempt to silence him like the military era.

While acknowledging ongoing security concerns and challenges within the electoral system, he noted that democracy has added significant value to Nigeria’s electoral processes and political participation.

He therefore called on Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices that birthed the nation’s democracy and remain committed to defending democratic values unconditionally.

“June 12 reminds us of the price that was paid for democracy. We must reflect on its value, protect it and defend it unconditionally,” he said.

The governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history and a continuing benchmark for credible elections anchored on accountability, rule of law and public trust.

He stressed that democracy is not a finished project but an evolving process requiring constant strengthening of institutions.

He noted that the 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, remained the clearest expression of the people’s will and should serve as a reference point for electoral integrity and democratic conduct.

According to him, the anniversary offered an opportunity for sober reflection on Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, particularly as the country moves towards another election cycle in 2027 amid persistent security challenges.

The Governor warned that insecurity remains a direct threat to democratic consolidation, stating that violence, fear and instability weaken civic participation and erode public confidence in governance.

He maintained that democracy cannot thrive where citizens are intimidated or unsafe.

He paid tribute to Oba Olu Falae, describing him as a respected elder statesman and enduring voice in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

He also commended Oshiomhole for what he described as an insightful lecture drawn from lived experience in labour activism and governance.

Reaffirming June 12 as a national benchmark for credible elections and unity, Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted ongoing federal efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly security coordination through the National Security Council and inter-agency collaboration.

The chairman of the occasion and Olu-Abo of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae recounted sacrifices made during the June 12 struggle, describing it as a watershed in Nigeria’s political evolution.

He said Nigerians overwhelmingly voted for Abiola in a credible election that was annulled, triggering national outrage and resistance.

The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation under Sanni Abacha-led military regime, noted that the annulment led to organised resistance, including the formation of NADECO and sustained opposition to military rule.

Falae warned that military rule must never return to Nigeria, noting that the struggle involved detention, exile and loss of lives but paved the way for the present democratic order.