Nigeria has demonstrated that democratic institutions can endure, adapt – Uba Sani

As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani urged citizens to renew their commitment to building a stronger, united, and prosperous nation.

In a message sent on Friday, Sani highlighted that June 12 occupies a unique place in the country’s history. He noted that the June 12, 1993 election demonstrated Nigerians’ remarkable ability to rise above ethnic, religious, and regional differences in pursuit of a common national destiny.

“Although that democratic mandate was unjustly annulled, the sacrifices that followed sparked a national movement that ultimately restored constitutional rule and laid the groundwork for the freedoms we enjoy today,” Sani said.

“As someone who actively participated in the pro‑democracy struggle, I reflect with deep respect and gratitude on the sacrifices made by luminaries such as the clear winner of the Presidential Election of June 12, 1993, Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, Dr. Beko Ransome‑Kuti, Hajiya Kudirat Abiola, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Col. Dangiwa Umar (Rtd), and many other patriots who risked their liberty, comfort, and, in some cases, their lives in defense of democracy,” he added.

“Their courage serves as a timeless reminder that freedom is never free, and democracy must never be taken for granted.”

This year’s celebration is particularly significant, marking over twenty‑seven years of uninterrupted democratic governance under the Fourth Republic—the longest period of constitutional rule in Nigeria’s history.

During this era, the nation has successfully held seven consecutive general elections, witnessed peaceful transfers of power at both national and sub‑national levels, and shown that democratic institutions can endure, adapt, and strengthen over time.

“The right of citizens to freely associate, organize, form political parties, forge alliances, contest elections, and engage in governance remains one of the crowning achievements of our democracy,” the governor concluded.