The All Progressives Congress (APC) has honoured the heroes of the June 12 democratic struggle, urging Nigerians to remain steadfast in protecting the nation’s hard-earned democracy from forces capable of derailing its progress.
The party said the sacrifices made by pro-democracy champions paved the way for the freedoms and democratic rights citizens enjoy today, stressing the need for unity and collective commitment to safeguarding those gains.
Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, made the call in a Democracy Day statement issued on Friday, describing June 12 as a historic reminder of patriotism, sacrifice and the supremacy of the people’s will.
He paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola and other prominent figures who fought tirelessly for the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria.
“Today, we pay solemn tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, GCFR, the symbol of the June 12 struggle, whose sacrifice remains one of the defining moments in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“We also honour the memory of the late Kudirat Abiola and countless pro-democracy activists, journalists, labour leaders, students, women, civil society advocates and ordinary Nigerians.
“Their sacrifices remain the bedrock of the democratic freedoms we enjoy today, and their legacy continues to inspire our collective pursuit of justice, freedom, national unity and progress.”
Ojelabi also applauded former President Muhammadu Buhari for formally recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, describing the move as a landmark decision that restored historical truth and gave deserved recognition to the heroes of the democratic struggle.
“The APC Lagos State Chapter salutes former President Muhammadu Buhari for his historic decision to officially recognise June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
“That courageous decision corrected a long-standing historical injustice and permanently aligned our national democratic celebration with the true symbol of the Nigerian people’s democratic struggle.
“It also accorded deserved national honours to Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other heroes of democracy,” he said.
The APC chairman further commended President Bola Tinubu for his contributions to the struggle for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate, noting that his role during the era of military rule earned him a prominent place in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“We also salute President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,, a foremost democrat and one of the leading figures in the struggle for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate.
“His courage during the darkest days of military rule and his contributions to the pro-democracy movement have earned him a distinguished place in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“Today, under his leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is pursuing bold reforms aimed at strengthening institutions and expanding economic opportunities.”
Calling for greater cohesion among party members and Nigerians at large, Ojelabi urged stakeholders to embrace peace, discipline, loyalty and mutual respect, warning against allowing personal ambitions or temporary disagreements to weaken collective progress.
“As we commemorate this year’s Democracy Day, the party calls on all members, leaders, stakeholders and supporters to continue to uphold the values of peace, unity, discipline, loyalty and mutual respect.
“We must not allow personal interests or temporary disagreements to undermine the unity that has remained our greatest strength.
“Let us remain united in purpose and focused on the greater objective of advancing the progress and prosperity of Lagos State and Nigeria.”
He reaffirmed the APC’s dedication to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance and supporting policies that drive national development, while encouraging Nigerians to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of June 12 heroes in building a stronger, more united and prosperous nation.
