The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that June 12 remains one of the most significant dates in Nigeria’s political history and democratic journey.
In a Democracy Day statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the date symbolises Nigerians’ enduring democratic aspirations and reflects the belief that citizens’ voices matter, their votes count, and governments derive legitimacy from the people.
“June 12 remains one of the most important dates in our nation’s political history and a reminder that government derives legitimacy from the governed,” Mr Abdullahi said.
He cautioned, however, that Democracy Day should serve not only as a celebration of past struggles but also as an opportunity to assess the country’s democratic progress. According to him, democracy must be measured not by the number of years under civilian rule but by tangible improvements in citizens’ welfare, freedoms, and opportunities.
The ADC spokesman noted that persistent insecurity, economic hardship, and declining public confidence in institutions continue to pose serious challenges to Nigeria’s democratic development. He observed that rising costs of food, transportation, healthcare, housing, and education have placed immense pressure on households and businesses.
“Our young people should be driving national growth and renewal, but many are struggling to find opportunities and hope within the country,” he said.
Mr Abdullahi rejected the notion that insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship are inevitable, insisting that effective governance can reverse the trend. “We believe security must be intelligence-led, technology-enabled, community-informed, and locally responsive if Nigeria is to achieve lasting peace,” he stated.
He outlined the ADC’s vision as prioritising economic reforms aimed at reducing the cost of living, supporting businesses, and improving the standard of living of Nigerians. The party would also promote transparency, accountability, food security, and institutional reforms to restore public confidence in democratic governance.
“We believe government must once again be judged by results, not speeches, excuses, or headlines, but by the wellbeing of Nigerians,” Mr Abdullahi said.
The party congratulated Nigerians on Democracy Day and urged citizens to remain committed to building a more secure, prosperous, and accountable democratic society.
