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ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – In comemoroation of the 2025 Democracy day, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerians for a renewed commitment to democratic values, inclusive participation, and a transparent electoral process.
He also encouraged youths to take their place in shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey, take part in civic dialogue, hold leaders to account not through cynicism, but through informed action.
The Governor stated this in his address at the at the 2025 democracy day celebration with the theme’June 12: Electoral Reforms and Democratic consolidation. Enhancing voters’ confidence through technology, held at the Hubert Ogungbe hall, June 12 cultural centre, Kuto Abeokuta.
Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun noted that the significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s democratic journey cannot be overstated, as it represents both the fierce struggle and the meaningful progress Nigerians have made towards a more inclusive and participatory political order.
According to him ‘ Today, we honour not just late MKO Abiola’s memory, but the courage of all who stood with him in pursuit of a democratic Nigeria. As we salute Chief M.K.O. Abiola, GCFR, the pride of Ogun State and a martyr of democracy, we also acknowledged the efforts of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. A fellow soldier in the pro-democracy movement, President Tinubu now carries forward the ideals of that struggle through his “Renewed Hope Agenda.’
The Governor who noted that this years theme speaks to the evolving nature of democracy, said though Nigeria has made commendable progress, we must acknowledge the ongoing challenges still facing it, such as malpractices, voter apathy, logistical issues and electoral violence, which he noted have eroded public trust and weaken the integrity of our democracy.
While stressing the need to reinforce our democratic institutions by building trust and ensuring transparency in our electoral processes, the state helmsman said every nigerian must feel empowered to participate in election and every vote must count.
“Electoral integrity is now an expectation not an exception. To build trust, we must strengthen our institutions, embrace credible systems, and continue leveraging technology wisely. As Professor Attahiru Jega noted, “A credible electoral process is the foundation of good governance”.
His words, “In Ogun State, we remain fully committed to good governance, the rule of law, and inclusive development. Through our “Building Our Future Together” Agenda, we continue to invest in youth engagement, women empowerment, economic participation, and digital innovation. We understand that democratic confidence and political stability are essential for sustainable development”
He noted that the state objective was not just to hold credible elections, but to build a democratic culture where every transition is peaceful, every outcome is respected, and public service is people focused, adding that it was the reason his administration gave credence to civic education in its schools, peaceful participation and creating real opportunities for youth and women to rise to leadership positions as the future of democracy lies in the hands of engaged citizens.
In his lecture titled ‘June 12: Electoral Reforms and Democracy consolidation. Enhancing voters’ confidence through technology’ former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oyo State, Mr Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo, expressed displeasure that despite the fact that June 12, 1993 election was the fairest and freest, it was annulled, Stressing the need for INEC to step up its game by adopting more advanced technology in electoral processes in the country as well as also adopting the electoral act holistically, saying that all civil society owe INEC an apology due to misinformation.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, described late Abiola as an hero, a true nationalist, while also thanking the people of Ogun for their support at all times towards the June 12 annual celebration.
Quoting The Chairman Coalition of Civil Society Organisations CSOs, Comrade Bankole Solomon, alongside Media stalwarts, Dr Niran Malaolu and Mrs Funke Fadugba, June 12, 1993 election was described as a memorable day, saying the commemoration wouldn’t have been possible without the support from the state government, adding that the only way Hope can be renewed was by practicing good governance it’s through that alone, that government could build the trust of the electorate.
Earlier in the day, The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele led Government Functionaries, including the Head of Service of Ogun State, Mr Kehinde Onasanya to the family house of Late Chief M.K.O Abiola in Gbagura Area of Abeokuta where Prayers were held for the deceased winner of the Annulled June 12, 1993 Election.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of gift to students who performed well in the school to school debate in Commoration of the Democracy day.
