June 12: APC has betrayed the spirit of democracy that once preached, says CNPP – Thage

… urges President Tinubu to provide free, right, credible elections of 2027

The Conference of Nigerian political parties (CNPP) joins millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to commemorate the meaning of 12 June – a date engraved in our national history as a symbol of popular will, democratic sacrifice and resistance against tyranny.

June 12, 1993 is the day when the Nigerians put aside the ethnic, religious and regional differences to vote in what remained the freer, right and credible elections in the history of the country, won by the deceased Capo Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (Mko) Abiola. That election symbolized transparency, electoral integrity and national unity, but tragically, it was canceled by a desperate military junta to maintain power.

It is, however, both ironic and deplorable that the same congress of All Progressives (APC) – a party built by the same political elements and movements that once support the immortalization of Mko Abiola and the restoration of June 12 as the day of democracy – has become the architect of the systematic erosion of the values ​​of 12 June.

As we recognize and appreciate the efforts of past and current administrations in recognizing June 12 – in particular the historical declaration of President Muhammadu Buhari who recognizes him as a day of democracy – we must not be blinded by symbolism without substance.

Today, the elections conducted under the governments led by the APC are constantly up to transparency, credibility and democratic standards. From the accusations of suppression of the voters, militarization of the surveys, manipulation of the electoral results, abuse of uncertains, compromised electoral referees, the electoral processes pursuant to the APC have clearly contrasted the ideals that embodies on 12 June.

Worse still, the government led by the APC has failed to pursue authentic electoral reforms or support the evolution of a constitution led by the people who can institutionalize transparent processes and responsibility in governance. The sacred principles of popular will, fair competition and justice, which constituted the cornerstone of the struggle of 12 June, were desecrated in the pursuit of power and political control.

The deceased Congress of Action of Nigeria (ACN) – one of the Legacy parties who joined the APC – was at the forefront in the suspension of the cause of Mko Abiola and the ideology of 12 June. However, these same promoters now seem to have used on June 12 as a political scale to reach power, just to discard his Ethos once they have reached their ambitions. This betrayal of purpose must be addressed.

Call to action: Constitution of people and 2027 Legacy

The CNPP asks the Federal Government led by the APC to immediately establish a national process for the promulgation of the establishment of a people-one that reflects the aspirations of the Nigerians for credible electoral reforms, independent institutions, justice and equity. Only through such an organic and inclusive process can we present a solid base for sustainable democracy.

We also invoke President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a key figure in the pro-democracy struggle of 12 June, to get up to the occasion and guide with courage and consciousness. Like someone who brought the weight of military self -acting together with Mko Abiola and other patriots, the story now gives him nod to demonstrate that his commitment for democracy did not only concern the end of military domain, but the construction and protection of the democratic order.

The president must make sure that the general elections of 2027 are free, right, transparent and credible – elections that reflect the will of the people, not contaminated by rigging, purchase of votes, intimidation of state voters or interference. In this way, he will not only write his name in gold, but will join the ranks of global statists such as Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, whose decision to grant the defeat in 2015 has set a rare and commendable example of democratic maturity.

Conclusion

While marking another day on democracy on this historic June 12, we must go beyond the simple celebration and political rhetoric. We must reflect on the fact that Nigeria today is up to the dreams of the heroes of our democracy.

We urge all interested parties – the manager, the legislature, the judiciary, civil society, young people and political parties – to recommend the ideals of electoral justice, good governance, inclusion and national cohesion. The memory of Mko Abiola and the sacrifice of millions of Nigerians who stopped in the face of military oppression do not require no less.

Democracy is not just a date on the calendar. It is an alliance between people and their leaders: an alliance that the APC must now honor, not betray.

Signed:

Comrade James Ezema

Deputy Secretary of National Advertising

Conference of Nigeria Political Party (CNPP)

11 June 2025

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