Democracy Day: Oyebanji urges Nigerians to keep faith in democratic process

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has urged Nigerians to keep faith in democracy, calling it the best platform for citizens to deepen their participation in governance.

In a statement released on Friday to mark Democracy Day, Oyebanji said June 12 offers a chance for sober reflection on the country's democratic journey. He stressed the need to sustain the ideals of democracy and commitment to a stronger state and a prosperous nation.

June 12, 2026, marks 33 years since the 1993 presidential election widely regarded as the freest, fairest, and most peaceful in Nigeria's history. The election was won by business mogul Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, but the results were annulled by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida.

Oyebanji paid tribute to Abiola, his wife Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, and other heroes and heroines who paid the supreme price for Nigeria's return to democracy. He also acknowledged pro-democracy activists who fought for the revalidation of June 12 and witnessed the dawn of democracy in 1999, notably President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as one of the pillars of the democratic struggle.

The governor also hailed former President Muhammadu Buhari, who officially recognised June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria. Buhari, who died in 2025, had moved Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 in 2018.

"He said it's a day set aside to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of June 12, 1993 presidential election which has been widely regarded as the freest, fairest and the most peaceful national election in the history of Nigeria which was won by the business mogul, the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola," the statement read.

Oyebanji recalled that June 12 symbolised Nigerians' readiness to set aside ethnic, religious, and cultural differences to enthrone democracy. He admitted that democracy may not be perfect but said it remains the best form of government, offering every citizen the chance to contribute to decision-making.

The governor urged every Nigerian to play a role in strengthening democracy, adherence to constitutionalism, rule of law, and building stronger institutions for good governance.

He congratulated Nigerians and Ekiti residents for witnessing 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule — the longest in Nigeria's political history. Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999 after decades of military coups and has since held six general elections.