Senator Iyiola Omisore has called on Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing his leadership as a turning point in the country’s democratic and developmental journey.
Marking the inaugural June 12 Democracy Day, Omisore said Nigeria is now on a clear path to inclusive and lasting growth under the Tinubu administration.
He recalled the significance of June 12, 1993, when Nigerians united across divides to elect MKO Abiola in what is widely considered the country’s freest and fairest election.
Omisore noted that the annulment of that election by the military regime led to nationwide outrage and birthed the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which fought for the restoration of democracy.
He emphasized President Tinubu’s active role in the pro-democracy movement and described him as one of the key figures whose sacrifices laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s current democratic era.
Highlighting Tinubu’s 2023 declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day, Omisore said it was a rightful recognition of Abiola and the democratic ideals he stood for.
He urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s reforms and leadership vision, noting that the country now has renewed hope and a stronger sense of purpose for national progress.
The statement reads, “Thirty-two years after the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election—widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history—we stand at a pivotal moment in our national journey. Our beloved country, shaped by decades of struggles, hopes, and aspirations, is now firmly on the path to lasting and inclusive development.
“Since Nigeria’s amalgamation and eventual independence, generations of nationalist leaders have strived to move the country forward. Despite their best efforts, meaningful development often remained elusive. Successive republics and military regimes left us with unfulfilled promises and unsteady progress.
“However, on that momentous day—June 12, 1993—a new chapter was written. Nigerians came together, across ethnic and religious divides, to elect Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in an election against Alhaji Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC). Abiola, a Yoruba Muslim from the South-West, won a decisive and symbolic victory, including a majority in the Northern stronghold of Kano, Tofa’s home state. As of June 14, he had polled 4.3 million votes to Tofa’s 2.3 million.
“But hopes were dashed on June 24, when the then-military government under General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the election after initially suspending the announcement of results. That annulment ignited a wave of national outrage and protest, catalyzing the formation of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO)—a broad-based movement of pro-democracy activists.
“NADECO brought together distinguished Nigerians from every region and background, including the likes of Chief Anthony Enahoro, Pa Alfred Rewane, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Ayo Opadokun, General Theophilus Danjuma, Professor Wole Soyinka, and many others. Among them stood President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose steadfast commitment to democratic ideals during that turbulent era has become the bedrock of Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
“The sacrifices of these patriots laid the foundation for the Fourth Republic, which began on May 29, 1999, with the inauguration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. This era has now become Nigeria’s longest stretch of uninterrupted democratic governance.
“In a historic move, President Tinubu, in 2023, rightly designated June 12 as Nigeria’s official Democracy Day—honoring the symbol of democracy, MKO Abiola, and the ideals he stood for.
“Today, June 12 is not just a date—it is a testament to the resilience, unity, and democratic spirit of the Nigerian people. It represents a shared national memory of our collective pursuit of justice, equity, and progress.
“As we commemorate this first June 12 Democracy Day, we do so with optimism. Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the signs point towards renewed hope and a reinvigorated national purpose. His administration is on course to deliver meaningful reforms, socioeconomic progress, and lasting development.
“I urge all Nigerians to support President Tinubu in this historic journey. Our civic responsibility is to uphold and defend our democracy with the same resolve that brought us to this point.
“Happy Democracy Day. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”