The Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of failing to uphold the democratic values and principles symbolised by the June 12 struggle.
In a statement issued on Friday to commemorate Democracy Day, the faction, through its Interim National Working Committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the lessons of June 12 remained largely ignored under the current administration.
The party described the June 12, 1993 presidential election as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting that the poll demonstrated the collective resolve of Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious and regional divisions in pursuit of national progress.
According to the statement, the anniversary should not merely serve as a historical remembrance but should continually challenge leaders to strengthen democratic institutions and protect the rights of citizens.
“As we commemorate Democracy Day, we remember the June 12, 1993 election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in our history, and the sacrifices made to defend the people’s mandate,” the statement said.
“We are reminded of the enthusiasm the citizenry displayed as they consciously blurred pre-existing fault lines and voted in a way that reflected a united country in search of progress.”
The faction maintained that the significance of June 12 lies beyond symbolism and should compel governments at all levels to protect democratic rights, preserve civil liberties and guarantee a level political playing field for opposition parties and citizens alike.
However, the group alleged that the current administration had failed to demonstrate those democratic ideals in practice.
“Reality check, however, provides damning evidence that under this APC-led Federal Government, the lessons of June 12 remain painfully unlearnt,” the statement added.
The faction pointed to reports of security operatives dispersing protesters in Abuja during Democracy Day activities as what it described as evidence of shrinking democratic space.
It further referenced reports involving activist Omoyele Sowore, alleging that he was injured during the protest while advocating for the release of schoolchildren and teachers reportedly being held captive in different parts of the country.
According to the statement, such developments raise concerns about freedom of expression and citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.
The party also criticised the Tinubu administration’s style of governance, accusing it of focusing more on public relations than substantive policy outcomes.
“This Tinubu administration unashamedly prioritises optics over action, propaganda over policy, and dwells in a dangerous utopian self-delusion,” the statement said.
“Their disposition to governance has reduced this sacred day to a mere historic remembrance rather than being a celebration of democratic consolidation.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, the faction called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively participate in safeguarding democratic values.
It urged citizens not to allow the sacrifices of those who fought for democratic governance to become symbolic gestures without practical meaning.
“As the 2027 elections approach, we are hopeful that this commemoration will serve as a timely reminder to every citizen of the importance of vigilance and the unrelenting demand for democratic consolidation,” the statement said.
“The sacrifices of the past must not be reduced to ceremonial memory. They must serve as active warnings that this country must never again travel the path of state-engineered anti-democratic actions.”
