The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) has called on Nigerians and political leaders to recommit themselves to the ideals of democracy, justice, accountability, and inclusive governance as the nation marks the 33rd anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election.
In a Democracy Day statement issued on Thursday, the organisation described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, stressing that the struggle for a truly democratic society remains ongoing.
CAIDOV noted that the June 12, 1993 election, widely believed to have been won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, remains the freest, fairest, and most credible election in Nigeria’s history. The group said the election demonstrated Nigerians’ collective desire for democratic governance, national unity, and accountable leadership.
According to the organisation, the annulment of the election represented a painful setback for the nation’s democratic aspirations. However, it said the sacrifices made by MKO Abiola, his wife, Kudirat Abiola, pro-democracy activists, journalists, civil society organisations, labour unions, students, and ordinary citizens laid the foundation for Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation.
While acknowledging that Nigeria has enjoyed uninterrupted civilian rule since 1999, CAIDOV said many citizens continue to grapple with economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, and inadequate access to quality healthcare and education.
The organisation stated that democracy should not be measured solely by the conduct of elections but also by the extent to which justice, accountability, transparency, inclusion, and good governance are reflected in the lives of the people.
To strengthen democratic governance in the country, CAIDOV called for the protection of electoral integrity, greater local government autonomy, and an end to violence against women in politics and elections.
The group stressed the need to safeguard electoral technologies such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), noting that electoral outcomes must always reflect the genuine will of the people.
“The tragedy of June 12, 1993 must never be repeated in any form,” the organisation stated.
CAIDOV also advocated full financial and administrative autonomy for local government areas, arguing that effective grassroots governance is critical to delivering quality healthcare, education, infrastructure, water supply, sanitation, and community development.
The organisation further expressed concern over the challenges faced by women during electoral processes, including intimidation, harassment, violence, and exclusion.
According to CAIDOV, a democracy that does not guarantee the safety and participation of women cannot be regarded as fully inclusive.
Speaking on the significance of the anniversary, CAIDOV Executive Director, Mr. Gbenga Soloki, said June 12 symbolises the right of Nigerians to determine their future through democratic means.
“June 12 was not simply about an election; it was about the right of Nigerians to determine their future. Chief MKO Abiola and countless democracy advocates paid a heavy price so that future generations could enjoy freedom and representative government.
“We honour their sacrifice not only through remembrance but through action. Democracy succeeds when the votes of citizens count, when institutions serve the people, when a widow receives her pension without delay, when a child can learn in a safe school, and when every Nigerian can participate in governance without fear or discrimination,” Soloki said.
As Nigerians commemorate Democracy Day, CAIDOV urged political leaders, public institutions, civil society organisations, and citizens to remain committed to strengthening democratic values and ensuring that democracy delivers meaningful benefits to all.
The organisation maintained that the struggle that began on June 12, 1993, is far from over, emphasizing that democracy is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of every citizen.
