June 12: Nigeria must not waste sacrifices of MKO Abiola – SDP presidential candidate Adebayo

The Social Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, warned that Nigeria must not squander the sacrifices of the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, who won the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election.

He made the remarks in a statement delivered at Nigeria’s Democracy Day commemoration on Friday.

Adebayo described the 1993 election as a “glorious opportunity” for Nigeria to lead Africa and the world in democratic renewal, noting that it occurred while apartheid persisted in South Africa and many African states remained under military rule.

The candidate said the military government’s annulment of the election was a betrayal of the Constitution and the sovereignty of Nigerians, adding that no authority can truly override the will of the people.

He emphasized that June 12 serves as a reminder that democratic power belongs to the people.

“June 12 reminds us that the people are the true owners of power. What happened in 1993 was not just the annulment of an election; it was a betrayal of the Constitution and the sovereignty of Nigerians,” Adebayo said. “As we approach another general election, every Nigerian has a role to play in enthroning true democracy. June 12 must not be in vain. The labor of our heroes past must not be allowed to go to waste.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Democracy Day message, urged Nigerians to maintain faith in the country despite its numerous challenges.