The Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji Campaign Civil Society Committee has said democracy must go beyond the conduct of elections and translate into accountability, inclusiveness, economic development and improved welfare for citizens. The committee stated this on Wednesday while unveiling activities to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll. Addressing journalists at the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osogbo, Comrade Adeola Olayiwola, the Secretary of the committee, said this year’s commemoration is themed, “Democracy and the Ideals of Progressive Governance.” According to him, the theme reflects the belief that democracy should not be limited to periodic elections but must be measured by its impact on the lives of citizens through transparent leadership, effective policies and people-centred governance. ”Democracy must go beyond periodic elections and translate into policies, accountability, inclusiveness, economic development and the welfare of the people,” Olayiwola said. He noted that the June 12 anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey, evaluate the progress made since the return to democratic rule and explore ways of strengthening democratic institutions. The committee secretary described the June 12, 1993 presidential election as a defining moment in the nation’s history, saying it demonstrated the desire of Nigerians across ethnic, religious and regional lines to choose their leaders through a transparent and peaceful process. He urged political leaders, government institutions and citizens to uphold the values of accountability, justice, and transparency as well as work together to build a Nigeria where elections reflect the genuine will of the people, where public trust in democratic processes continues to grow, and where leadership is driven by service, integrity, and national interest. Olayiwola also announced that activities marking the anniversary would commence with a Democracy Day Walk from Nelson Mandela Freedom Park through MDS, Orita Olaiya, Oke-Fia and Lameco before ending at the Aurora Conference Centre for an anniversary lecture. Also speaking, Kehinde Ayantunji, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure free, fair and credible elections, saying democracy can only thrive when political disputes are resolved through lawful means.
- +June 12: Democracy must deliver good governance, group says
