Adebayo Urges Nigerians to Honor MKO Abiola's Sacrifice on Democracy Day
On Democracy Day June 12 2026, SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo urged Nigerians not to waste the sacrifices of MKO Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12 1993 presidential election. Speaking at the national commemoration, Adebayo described the 1993 vote as a glorious chance for Nigeria to lead Africa in democratic renewal while apartheid still ruled South Africa and many African nations were under military rule. He said the military’s annulment was a betrayal of the Constitution and Nigerians’ sovereignty, stressing that no power can truly erase the people’s will. Adebayo reminded citizens that democratic power belongs to the people and that June 12 must not be in vain as the country approaches another general election. He called on every Nigerian to play a role in enthroning true democracy, warning that allowing the labor of past heroes to go to waste would undermine the nation’s future. The statement echoes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Democracy Day plea for faith in Nigeria despite challenges, while other SDP chieftains have criticized INEC’s actions and urged delivery of democracy dividends.