HAPPY DEMOCRACY DAY MESSAGE FROM THE AANI PRESIDENT

Dear Esteemed Members of AANI and Fellow Nigerians,

On this auspicious occasion of Democracy Day, I extend warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander- in -Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, all members of the National Institute (AANI) and indeed, all Nigerians, as we celebrate 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in our dear country, Nigeria. We salute the resilience, patriotism, and belief of Nigerians in democracy. Your steadfast support has been the bedrock of our democratic journey.

We commend the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their sacrifice and dedication as guardians of democracy, and urge them to continue protecting the lives and property of all citizens with professionalism and integrity. As we celebrate this milestone, we call on all tiers of government to rededicate themselves to the principles of democracy, accountability, good governance and the well-being of all Nigerians.

We urge our political leaders to shun divisive rhetoric and avoid heating the polity. Instead, let us all focus on providing responsive leadership and addressing our nation’s myriad of insecurity and socio-economic challenges. Let us remain united in our resolve to build a more peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.

Happy Democracy Day!

Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, mni
President
Alumni Association of the National Institute
Thursday, June 12, 2025

June 12: MKO Abiola Lives On, Let’s Reclaim the True Spirit of Democracy – NNPP Southwest PRO, Kilamuwaye Badmus

As Nigeria commemorates Democracy Day on June 12, the Southwest Public Relations Officer of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Comrade Kilamuwaye Badmus Oladayo—popularly known as Bako—has reaffirmed the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by Nigeria’s true democratic heroes, especially the late Chief MKO Abiola.

Speaking in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital and hometown of the 1993 presidential election winner, Comrade Kilamuwaye described June 12 as “the real Democracy Day,” emphasizing that the struggle for democracy must continue in both words and deeds.

“True democracy is not just about elections every four years; it is about daily participation in governance, demanding accountability, and ensuring that power truly belongs to the people. That’s the task for every Nigerian, and that’s the message of June 12,” he said.

Kilamuwaye, whose political base is in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, used the occasion to rally both government officials and citizens to reflect on the meaning of democracy and to recommit themselves to building a just and equitable society.

“MKO Abiola is not just a symbol of a stolen mandate; he remains the face of a stolen future that we must reclaim. The symbol of democracy lives on through us. New Nigeria begins with me and you,” he declared.

He further called on all “Gbogbo Ómò Egba”—the sons and daughters of the Egba kingdom—alongside the people of Ogun State and Nigerians both at home and abroad to remember the legacy of Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, whose 1993 electoral victory was annulled by the military government, plunging the country into years of political instability.

“We must never forget the price MKO paid. May Allah forgive his sins and grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” he prayed.

Kilamuwaye, a longtime advocate of good governance and a vocal voice for the NNPP in the South West, stressed that democracy must evolve beyond slogans into practical reforms that reflect the people’s will—better infrastructure, social welfare, jobs, and justice.

The Merit Newspaper reports that June 12 has been officially recognized as Democracy Day in Nigeria since 2018, after President Muhammadu Buhari declared it a national holiday in honor of MKO Abiola—the presumed winner of the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history. Abiola, a native of Abeokuta, was arrested and imprisoned by the military regime of General Sani Abacha after declaring himself president in 1994. He died in detention in 1998 under mysterious circumstances.

Kilamuwaye said the occasion should serve as a moment of national reflection.

“Democracy is not fulfilled until every Nigerian can walk freely, eat with dignity, access education, and live without fear. That is the democracy MKO fought for,” he reiterated.

With hashtags like #HappyDemocracyDay, #NewNigeriaBeginsWithMeAndYou, and #EgbaOmoLisabi, Comrade Kilamuwaye’s message is a passionate reminder that the spirit of June 12 must not only be celebrated—it must be revived through action and unity.

Ajadi Reflects on 1993 Ordeal, Demands Democratic Reform

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

As Nigeria marks Democracy Day today, Thursday, June 12, 2025, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 general election in Ogun State, has called on the federal and state governments to practise democracy in its truest and most meaningful form.

In a passionate statement released to mark the day’s significance, Ajadi urged Nigerian leaders to move beyond mere ceremonial celebrations and entrench the ideals of justice, equity, and people-centred governance. He also admonished the electorate to become ambassadors of good democratic conduct.

Reflecting on his personal experience of the historic June 12, 1993, political crisis that followed the annulment of Nigeria’s freest and fairest election, Ambassador Ajadi recounted a traumatic incident from his childhood:

“So, it happened that year, my mother was eager to take us to safety. She was dragging us along the road, as we ran from the town of Odinjo. We were actually trekking to our village, Osengere area, Egbeda Local Government, Ibadan, Oyo State.
When I could no longer bear the pressure and pain of the long and tedious dragging, I was forced to hesitate. I asked my mother why we were running and where we were going.
She responded that there was war in the town and daily feeding had become difficult. She said if we wanted to survive, we had no option but to seek refuge in a peaceful town.”

The trauma of that day, he said, remains etched in his memory and fuels his commitment to ensuring that democracy in Nigeria is never again derailed by injustice or bad governance.

“Democracy must not only be about elections and political power. It must be about the people—their welfare, their voices, their rights,” Ajadi emphasised. “The true meaning of Democracy Day should reflect in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Our leaders must be accountable, and our institutions must be strong and fair.”

Ajadi also stressed the role of citizens in strengthening democratic systems:

“Democracy cannot thrive where citizens are indifferent or compromised. I urge every Nigerian—whether a voter or public office holder—to be a good ambassador of democratic values: honesty, service, peace, and participation.”

The NNPP stalwart further urged governments at all levels to draw lessons from the historical significance of June 12, saying that the sacrifices made by Nigerians for the democratic freedom being enjoyed today must not be in vain.

Ambassador Ajadi, who has been a vocal advocate for youth inclusion and grassroots development, reaffirmed his commitment to building a Nigeria where democracy delivers tangible benefits for all.