Nigeria's democracy remains weak, lessons of June 12 unlearnt: PDP

Nigeria's democracy is still fragile and unfinished, 33 years after the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) declared. The party described the nation's democratic journey as one still burdened by unresolved governance and electoral challenges.

“

Thirty-three years later, the lessons of June 12 ring out more resoundingly than ever, calling on the Federal Government to act responsibly to uphold democracy, to guarantee civil rights such as the right to peaceful assembly and protest, and to protect the democratic rights of the opposition.

In a statement marking Democracy Day, the PDP reflected on the historic 1993 election, widely seen as Nigeria's freest and fairest, and the national resistance that followed its annulment. The party reaffirmed its stance that democracy must be continuously defended, strengthened, and deepened beyond electoral cycles. Nigerians at the time demonstrated uncommon unity, transcending ethnic and regional divisions for a shared national aspiration. However, the aftermath of that election triggered a crisis that claimed lives and deepened distrust in democratic institutions.

"Thirty-three years later, the lessons of June 12 ring out more resoundingly than ever, calling on the Federal Government to act responsibly to uphold democracy, to guarantee civil rights such as the right to peaceful assembly and protest, and to protect the democratic rights of the opposition," the statement read. It also reminded the electoral umpire of its critical role in democracy's survival, demanding transparent impartiality and unimpeachable fairness as minimum standards.

“

Reality check, however, provides damning evidence that under this APC-led Federal Government, the lessons of June 12 remain painfully unlearnt.

The PDP accused successive authorities of failing to internalize democratic lessons, arguing that current realities reflect continued strain on civil liberties and democratic accountability. "Reality check, however, provides damning evidence that under this APC-led Federal Government, the lessons of June 12 remain painfully unlearnt," the party stated. It pointed to peaceful protesters being teargassed and assaulted in Abuja on Democracy Day, and Omoyele Sowore reportedly being injured and hospitalized for demanding the release of schoolchildren and teachers held hostage.

“

This Tinubu administration unashamedly prioritizes optics over action, propaganda over policy, and dwells in a dangerous utopian self-delusion.

"This Tinubu administration unashamedly prioritizes optics over action, propaganda over policy, and dwells in a dangerous utopian self-delusion. Their disposition to governance has reduced this sacred day to a mere historic remembrance, rather than being a celebration of democratic consolidation," the PDP added. Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the party urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, warning that democratic gains must not be taken for granted. "As the 2027 elections approach, we are hopeful that this commemoration will serve as a timely reminder to every citizen of the importance of vigilance and the unrelenting demand for democratic consolidation."

“

As the 2027 elections approach, we are hopeful that this commemoration will serve as a timely reminder to every citizen of the importance of vigilance and the unrelenting demand for democratic consolidation.