Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concern over the state of democracy in Nigeria, saying that 33 years after the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, the country is still grappling with challenges that threaten democratic freedoms and institutions.
In a statement issued on Thursday to mark Democracy Day, the party said the significance of June 12 extends beyond remembrance, stressing that the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists and ordinary Nigerians should serve as a constant reminder of the need to protect democratic values.
Signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the statement recalled the June 12 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll, noting that Nigerians rose above ethnic, religious and regional divisions in pursuit of national progress.
According to the PDP, the election demonstrated the collective desire of citizens for accountable leadership, while the subsequent annulment triggered a nationwide struggle that claimed many lives.
The opposition party argued that the lessons from that period remain relevant today, urging the Federal Government to uphold democratic principles, protect civil liberties and guarantee the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.
It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and transparent in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
“Thirty-three years later, the lessons of June 12 ring out more resoundingly than ever, calling on the Federal Government to act responsibly to uphold democracy, to guarantee civil rights such as the right to peaceful assembly and protest, and to protect the democratic rights of the opposition,” the statement read.
The party further stated that electoral institutions must uphold “transparent impartiality and unimpeachable fairness, not as aspirations, but as minimum standards.”
The PDP, however, maintained that recent developments suggest that the lessons of June 12 have not been fully embraced by those in power.
“Reality check, however, provides damning evidence that under this APC-led Federal Government, the lessons of June 12 remain painfully unlearnt,” the statement said.
Referencing reports of security operatives dispersing protesters in Abuja during Democracy Day activities, the party condemned what it described as the suppression of peaceful civic engagement.
“Today, of all days—a day set aside to honour the blood of democratic martyrs, peaceful protesters were teargassed and assaulted in Abuja. Omoyele Sowore was reportedly injured and hospitalised for doing nothing more than demanding the immediate release of schoolchildren and teachers held hostage across different parts of the country.”
The PDP accused the administration of prioritising public relations over governance, saying, “This Tinubu administration unashamedly prioritises optics over action, propaganda over policy, and dwells in a dangerous utopian self-delusion.”
According to the party, such actions diminish the significance of Democracy Day and undermine efforts at democratic consolidation.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the PDP urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively participate in safeguarding democratic institutions.
“As the 2027 elections approach, we are hopeful that this commemoration will serve as a timely reminder to every citizen of the importance of vigilance and the unrelenting demand for democratic consolidation,” the statement added.
The party concluded by warning against any return to practices that undermine democratic governance, insisting that the sacrifices made during the June 12 struggle must remain a guide for future generations.
“The sacrifices of the past must not be reduced to ceremonial memory. They must be active warnings, that this country must never again travel the path of state-engineered anti-democratic actions.
