The Kebbi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress has described the June 12, 1993 presidential election as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, one that stands as a lasting symbol of the people’s hunger for justice, credible elections, and governance that truly reflects their will.
The party’s Deputy Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Atiku-Musa, made this known in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
He said: “June 12 holds a special place in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“It symbolises the struggle of the Nigerian people for justice, free and fair elections, and the fundamental right of citizens to freely choose their leaders in an atmosphere governed by the rule of law, peace, and fairness.
“The commemoration of this day as Democracy Day reminds us that democracy is not merely about conducting elections.
“It is also about good governance, accountability, security, the protection of citizens’ rights, and the promotion of the welfare and prosperity of all people.”
Atiku-Musa observed that while democracy has survived the storms of time, the nation still walks a rough road marked by insecurity, economic strain, falling living standards, and widening distrust between the governed and those in power, what he described as a growing “crack between promise and performance.”
According to him, the true spirit of June 12 will remain a distant dream unless institutions are strengthened and governance is steered by the compass of justice, not the winds of personal interest.
He said: “Regrettably, there are still clear indications that the welfare and concerns of ordinary Nigerians are not receiving the priority they deserve.
“This situation continues to deepen public frustration and weaken confidence in governance.”
Speaking on the lessons of June 12, he said democracy must never be reduced to a “table set for a few to feast while the masses watch from the sidelines.”
“Yes, we have learned many lessons from the history of June 12. One of the most important lessons is that democracy should not be a means for a few politicians to pursue personal gain; rather, it should serve as a system for promoting development and improving the welfare of the people.
“Over the years, many people have expressed concern that some politicians have turned politics into an investment, with the expectation of making profits once they attain public office.
“There have also been frequent allegations that corruption and a lack of transparency in government affairs are among the major factors hindering the country’s progress.
“Furthermore, some observers believe that the government’s increasing reliance on borrowing has not produced the level of development expected, as ordinary citizens often do not see the full impact of these funds on their daily lives,” he said.
He added that concerns continue to mount over budget implementation, insecurity, and uneven access to government opportunities, describing them as “fault lines that refuse to disappear beneath the surface.”
“In the area of security, significant challenges still persist, leading many people to question the effectiveness of the measures being taken to address them.
“In addition, there are complaints from some parts of the country regarding what they perceive as unfairness or favouritism in the distribution of government appointments and opportunities, the image maker added.
Atiku-Musa stressed that leadership must not be a cloak for self-interest but a covenant of service.
“Therefore, the major lesson of June 12 is that democracy must continue to be protected, while honesty, accountability, and integrity in leadership must be upheld.
“The interests of the people should always take precedence over the interests of those in power. Only then can we ensure that the sacrifices made in the struggle for democracy were not in vain,” he said.
He further warned that democracy can only stand tall when leaders stop bending institutions to suit political convenience.
“To strengthen and sustain Nigeria’s democracy, politicians and stakeholders must uphold the Constitution, promote justice, transparency, and accountability in governance, and avoid using security agencies to intimidate or suppress political opponents.
“They should also protect the independence of the judiciary and respect the rule of law. At a time when Nigerians are facing economic hardship, insecurity, and a declining economy, leaders must prioritise the welfare and safety of citizens.
“Government borrowing should be managed responsibly and transparently, ensuring that loans are used for projects that benefit the people,” he noted.
