June 12 has become empty ceremony, CHRICED tells Nigerian leaders

Michael Olumide

Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has urged political leaders in Nigeria to return to the true ideals of June 12, warning that Democracy Day risks losing its significance if it remains a platform for ceremonial celebrations without meaningful democratic reforms.

In a statement signed by CHRICED Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi and Communications Officer, Furera Isiaka, to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day, CHRICED described June 12 as a historic symbol of democratic struggle and sacrifice that should inspire accountability, justice and people-centred governance.

The organisation noted that the date remains one of the most significant moments in Nigeria’s democratic history because it commemorates the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest election ever conducted in the country.

According to CHRICED, the annulment of the election won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola represented a grave injustice against the Nigerian people and undermined their collective democratic aspirations.

The group recalled that the annulment triggered widespread resistance by pro-democracy activists, many of whom were imprisoned, forced into exile or subjected to various forms of persecution in their quest to restore democratic rule.

It further observed that Abiola eventually died in detention while fighting to reclaim the mandate freely given to him by Nigerians.

CHRICED, however, lamented that despite the sacrifices made by Abiola and numerous democracy activists, many of the ideals associated with the June 12 struggle remain unrealised.

The organisation acknowledged the decision of the late President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to officially recognise June 12 as Democracy Day, but argued that the symbolic recognition has not translated into substantial democratic progress.

According to the rights group, the annual observance of Democracy Day has increasingly become a display of official ceremonies and political rhetoric that fail to address the everyday challenges confronting citizens.

It expressed concern that while government officials celebrate democratic milestones, millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with poverty, inflation, unemployment, insecurity and declining living standards.

“June 12 has become a spectacle of state-sponsored pageantry rather than a genuine reflection on the state of democracy and governance in Nigeria,” the organisation stated.

CHRICED maintained that the democracy envisioned by the heroes of June 12 was one founded on justice, accountability, respect for human rights and improved welfare for ordinary citizens.

The organisation stressed that democracy should not be reduced to speeches, parades and commemorative events but must produce tangible benefits for the population through effective governance and inclusive development.

“As we mark June 12, 2026, democracy must mean more than ceremonies and speeches. It must translate into policies that uplift the poor, protect the vulnerable, secure communities and restore dignity to Nigerians,” the statement added.

To strengthen democratic governance ahead of the 2027 general elections, CHRICED outlined five major demands.
First, it called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently reform the electoral process by improving voter registration infrastructure, addressing recurring technical challenges, expanding access to underserved communities and providing clear timelines for electoral activities.

Second, the organisation urged the judiciary to ensure transparency, speed and independence in the handling of electoral disputes, noting that delayed justice in election-related cases weakens public confidence in democracy.

Third, it called on elected officials at all levels to prioritise inflation control, job creation, security and the delivery of essential public services, insisting that governance should focus on improving citizens’ welfare rather than advancing elite interests.

Fourth, CHRICED challenged political parties to move away from personality-driven politics and develop coherent policy programmes capable of addressing the country’s pressing social and economic problems.

Finally, the organisation emphasised the need to empower citizens beyond election periods through civic education, public participation in governance, budget monitoring and community-based accountability initiatives.

The group maintained that democracy is not merely an event that occurs every four years but a continuous process requiring active citizen engagement and responsive leadership.

It concluded by urging Nigerians to preserve the spirit of June 12 by demanding accountability from public officials and remaining committed to the ideals of justice, freedom and democratic participation.