Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State emphasized the importance of conducting free and fair elections as a way to honor the memory of late Chief MKO Abiola and other heroes of democracy. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Mr. Olawale Rasheed, to commemorate Democracy Day in Osogbo, Adeleke highlighted the significance of June 12, 1993, Presidential election, which Chief MKO Abiola was presumed to have won before it was annulled by the military government.
Adeleke noted that despite the annulment, the 1993 election is widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history. This historical significance led to the change in Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration from May 29 to June 12 by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018.
The governor stressed that free and fair elections are fundamental to a strong democracy, describing them as the lifeblood of democratic governance. He acknowledged the sacrifices and struggles of those who fought for the return to civilian rule in 1999 and called on politicians to uphold the principles of democracy by respecting the will of the people.
Adeleke urged the political class to recommit themselves to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system to ensure credible elections and prevent the subversion of the people’s will. He emphasized that honoring democratic heroes such as MKO Abiola involves maintaining the basic tenets of democracy, including free and fair elections and adherence to the rule of law.
In conclusion, Governor Adeleke reiterated that by upholding these democratic principles, Nigerians can pay tribute to their democratic heroes and continue to build a democratic society that respects the rights and choices of its citizens.