A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Taminu Turaki, has said Nigeria’s democracy is still struggling more than three decades after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
In a statement marking the country’s Democracy Day celebration, the faction said the lessons of June 12 remain as relevant today as ever and called on the Federal Government to strengthen democratic institutions and uphold citizens’ rights.
The party urged the government to guarantee civil liberties, including the right to peaceful assembly and protest, while also protecting the democratic rights of opposition parties.
It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain transparency, impartiality, and fairness in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
The faction argued that recent developments indicate that many of the ideals associated with the June 12 struggle have yet to be fully realised.
It expressed concern over the reported dispersal of Democracy Day protesters in Abuja and alleged that activist Omoyele Sowore was injured during the protest while calling for the release of kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers.
The statement further accused the Federal Government of placing greater emphasis on public image than on addressing the country’s pressing challenges, insisting that Democracy Day should represent not only a remembrance of past sacrifices but also a commitment to strengthening democratic governance.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the faction urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively defend democratic values, stressing that the sacrifices made during the struggle for democracy should continue to inspire efforts to protect the country’s democratic institutions and prevent a return to anti-democratic practices.
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