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Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo North) has urged Nigerians to continue to defend democratic rule, saying despite its imperfections, it remains superior to military rule.
Oshiomhole stated this as a guest speaker at the event organized by Ondo State to commemorate the June 12 Democracy Day celebration on Friday, in Akure, Ondo State.
The event was themed “June 12 and Beyond: Reflecting on Democracy Progress and Security Concerns.”
The former president of the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has said Nigerians should not allow the current economic and political challenges to diminish their appreciation for democratic governance.
According to him, democracy guarantees citizens the right to choose their leaders and remove them peacefully through elections.
This, he said, is different from military regimes that suppress public disagreement with authority and deny citizens a voice in government.
Oshiomhole said Nigeria’s democratic path has seen steady progress since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
He cited improvements in electoral reforms, freedom of expression and political participation.
Oshiomole recalled the role played by the National Assembly in rejecting attempts to change constitutional term limits during the era of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He described the action as a significant contribution to the survival of Nigerian democracy.
“Even in our anger, we must not question the need to defend democracy. We must have the right to elect a bad governor and also the right to remove him through peaceful elections.
“I watch television and see people freely criticizing President Tinubu and returning home safely. This is democracy.
“Democracy can produce leaders we like or leaders we don’t like, but it also gives us the power to change them through constitutional means,” he said.
He urged young Nigerians to study the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists, especially the late Chief MKO Abiola, whose struggle has become a symbol of the nation’s democratic aspirations.
According to him, the essence of June 12 goes beyond the memory of Abiola and represents the ongoing struggle for freedom, justice, responsibility and empowerment of ordinary citizens.
Oshiomhole said the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, was ready to offer Abiola anything in exchange for resigning his presidential mandate on June 12, 1993.
He noted that Abiola, despite mounting pressure and several attempts to persuade him to accept the conditions of his freedom, remained resolute in defending the mandate given to him by Nigerians.
The senator described Abiola’s stance as a display of courage, patriotism and selflessness, stressing that the late business tycoon chose principles over personal comfort and survival.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State in his speech appreciated Oshiomhole for honoring the invitation to be the guest speaker.
He said the country’s democratic path is a constant reminder of the people’s determination for justice, fairness and credible leadership.
Aiyedatiwa said everyone must always be reminded that democracy is not a destination but a continuous journey.
“True democracy is measured not just by elections but by good governance. It is a system that thrives only when citizens and leaders alike embrace responsibility, active participation, accountability and unwavering respect for the rule of law.
“As we reflect on the legacy of June 12, I strongly encourage all eligible citizens to actively participate in the 2027 general elections; to come out peacefully to exercise their right to vote without fear, intimidation and violence,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the event, the Olu of Ilu Abo, Oba Olu Falae, said he was happy that the June 12 struggle was not in vain.
Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said he was happy that Abiola did not succumb to pressure from the then military government to relinquish his mandate, which led to the democracy Nigerians enjoy today.
