Adekunbi Ero
As Nigeria celebrates the 2026 June 12 Democracy Day, marking 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Friday said that June 12 should serve not only as a remembrance of the sacrifices made by heroes of democracy, but also as a call to action for citizens and leaders to safeguard the nation’s democratic gains.
The senator representing Edo Central senatorial district of the state, in the same vein, admonished Nigerians to work together to sustain the democracy that people like late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, his late wife, Kudirat, and several other democracy activists either died for, or permanently incapacitated.
In his Democracy Day message signed by his chief press secretary, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Governor Okpebholo called on citizens to remain vigilant, united, and committed to strengthening democratic institutions as the country confronts insecurity, economic challenges and threats to public trust.
Reflecting on the significance of the June 12, 1993, presidential election and the struggle led by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and other pro-democracy activists, Governor Okpebholo, said the lessons of that era remain relevant as Nigeria navigates contemporary challenges.
He said, “June 12 reminds us that democracy is not a destination but a continuous journey. The sacrifices of our democratic heroes secured our freedom to choose our leaders, but the responsibility of protecting and strengthening our institutions rests on all of us.”
The governor noted that insecurity remained one of the greatest threats to national development, citing kidnapping, cult-related violence, armed robbery, and other criminal activities that have disrupted lives and livelihoods across the country.
He opined that no democracy can thrive where citizens live in fear, stressing that security remained the foundation upon which economic growth, social stability, and national progress are built.
According to him, “Democracy means little to a family that can not sleep peacefully at night or to a community living under the threat of criminal elements. Security, justice, and the protection of lives and property are essential dividends of democracy.”
Governor Okpebholo said his administration has intensified efforts to combat insecurity in Edo State through enhanced collaboration with security agencies, community-based intelligence gathering, deployment of security resources, and sustained action against kidnapping and cultism
He highlighted ongoing initiatives under the SHINE Agenda, to include improvements in healthcare delivery through the Edo Health Insurance Scheme, (EdoHIS) rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, investments in education, youth empowerment programmes and economic development projects aimed at improving the quality of life for residents.
The governor expressed confidence that Nigeria possesses the strength and resilience to overcome its current security and economic challenges, noting that the country’s history is filled with examples of citizens rising above adversity through unity, determination and collective action.
Noting that Nigeria had overcome difficult periods before and would overcome these challenges again, Okpebholo believed that “With strong institutions, responsible leadership, active citizen participation, and unwavering faith in our nation, we can build a safer, more prosperous, and more united country.”
While urging political leaders, public office holders and citizens to uphold the principles of accountability, transparency and respect for the rule of law, the governor warned against divisive politics, misinformation and actions capable of undermining democratic institutions.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Governor Okpebholo called on Nigerians to embrace peaceful political engagement and issue-based campaigns, emphasising that democracy flourishes when citizens participate responsibly and leaders remain accountable to the people.
Congratulating Nigerians on the anniversary, the governor reminded them that “Democracy survives through participation, integrity, and respect for institutions,” advising that “Let us remain committed to building a Nigeria where justice prevails, opportunities abound, and every citizen can live in peace, dignity, and hope.”
In his personally signed message, Senator Ikpea called for peace, unity and spirit of patriotism as Nigeria celebrated another Democracy Day.
He called for support and collaboration with the federal government and other state governments in their efforts to combat insecurity in the country.
Senator Ikpea particularly urged the people of Edo Central, his constituency to own their security and compliment whatever the government is doing.
Celebrating late Abiola, the winner of the June 12,1993 presidential election and the symbol of our democracy, Senator Ikpea called for peace, unity and patriotism as Nigeria honours his memory.
Recall that the June 12,1993 election, adjudged the most credible, freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, was annulled by the then military President, General Ibrahim Babangida and the then presumed winner, MKO Abiola, arrested and died in detention. His wife, Kudirat Olayinka Abiola, who fought courageously alongside him, was assassinated on the street of Lagos on June 4, 1996, while her husband was still in detention. Abiola died July 7, 1998.
On the 2027 general elections, Senator Ikpea said there was need to consolidate on the pro-people interventions of Governor Monday Okpebholo who was the senator representing the district before he became the governor of the state.
Part of the statement reads: “Today is a day that we cannot joke with in the democratic history of Nigeria. We must work together to sustain the democracy that people like Chief MKO Abiola, his late wife, Kudirat, and several other people died for. Several others incapacitated for life.
“Nigeria is going through trying times in the area of security but it is obvious that the federal government, the state, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, are doing so much to check insecurity. These efforts should be supported by all of us.”
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