33 Years After Abiola’s Victory, Adebayo Warns: Nigeria Still Searching For Democracy

Abuja, Nigeria- Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2027 general elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has declared that Nigeria’s democratic journey remains unfinished 33 years after the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, warning that the country is still grappling with many of the same political and social conditions that inspired the struggle for democratic rule.

In a Democracy Day address commemorating June 12, Adebayo reflected on the annulled 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola under the platform of the Social Democratic Party, describing the poll as one of the finest democratic moments in Nigeria’s history.

According to Adebayo, the June 12 election represented hope not only for Nigeria but for the entire African continent at a time when many countries were still under military rule and South Africa remained trapped under the apartheid system.

He stated that the annulment of the election amounted to a betrayal of the Nigerian people and an assault on their constitutional sovereignty.

“No one can annul the will of the people,” Adebayo said.

He argued that the actions of the military government and those who collaborated with it disrupted what could have become Nigeria’s defining democratic transition and denied the country an opportunity to consolidate genuine democratic governance.

The SDP chieftain paid tribute to the late MKO Abiola and his wife, Kudirat Abiola, describing their sacrifices as enduring symbols of Nigeria’s unfinished democratic struggle.

Adebayo also acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day and honoured thousands of Nigerians who paid the ultimate price while defending democratic ideals and resisting authoritarian rule.

However, he maintained that despite more than three decades since the annulled election and years of uninterrupted civilian rule, Nigeria has yet to realise the promises and aspirations associated with June 12.

According to him, many of the principles that Nigerians fought for during the pro-democracy struggle remain under threat.

Adebayo accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of encouraging practices he described as inconsistent with democratic values.

He alleged that there was increasing pressure on political parties, weakening civic participation, interference by law enforcement agencies in political affairs, and persistent shortcomings in the country’s electoral process.

The SDP presidential candidate further argued that vote buying, political violence and recurring questions surrounding electoral credibility continue to erode public trust in democratic institutions.

According to him, these challenges have prevented contemporary elections from reflecting the true spirit and ideals of the June 12 struggle.

Adebayo called on Nigerians to become active defenders of democracy, insisting that the future of the country depends on the willingness of citizens to demand free, fair and credible elections.

He stressed that democracy cannot thrive where citizens remain passive in the face of electoral manipulation and political intimidation.

The former presidential candidate also argued that the next phase of Nigeria’s democratic development should focus on the full implementation of Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution, particularly provisions relating to the welfare, security and wellbeing of citizens.

He said democratic governance must move beyond periodic elections and translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

Adebayo envisioned a government produced through credible elections and led by public officials committed to deploying the nation’s resources for the benefit of the people while strengthening Nigeria’s leadership role across Africa.

Despite growing concerns over poverty, insecurity, economic hardship and declining public confidence in democratic institutions, Adebayo insisted that democracy remains Nigeria’s best option.

“I was born and grew up under military rule. I will never wish for such a dark era to come back again,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to confront the challenges facing democratic governance rather than abandon the system altogether, warning that surrendering to cynicism could undermine decades of sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists.

According to him, the struggle that followed the annulment of the June 12 election should serve as a reminder of the price paid by many Nigerians in pursuit of democratic freedoms.

Adebayo maintained that the sacrifices of MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola and countless other democracy activists must not be allowed to become meaningless.

“June 12, 1993 will not be in vain,” he declared.

The SDP presidential candidate’s remarks come as Nigeria marks the 33rd anniversary of the June 12 election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest poll in the country’s history, and amid continuing debates over electoral reforms, governance, accountability and the future of democracy in Africa’s most populous nation.