Democracy Must Deliver for All:Governor Abiodun’s Stirring Call on June 12

In a solemn and spirited commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, delivered a message that cut through the pageantry and struck at the soul of Nigeria’s democratic journey — a reminder that democracy must not only exist, but deliver. Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Governor charged citizens to hold fast to the ideals of free choice, transparent governance, and civic duty, emphasizing that democracy is meaningless unless it improves the lives of the people.

June 12, a date etched in Nigeria’s history as the true reflection of the people's will — following the annulled 1993 presidential election — was not just marked by fanfare in Ogun State. It was a moment of truth. The Governor’s message resonated with urgency: “Let every Nigerian feel empowered to vote and be heard. Democracy must deliver for all.”

The significance of the June 12 struggle, symbolized by the life and death of Chief MKO Abiola, was not lost on the gathering at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta. The event echoed the resilience of a people who once defied tyranny with nothing but hope and conviction. In invoking that legacy, Governor Abiodun called on all Nigerians — young and old — to rise above political apathy and reclaim the power of the ballot.

“Every vote must count, and every voice must be heard,” he declared, charging the citizenry to not merely observe democracy but to live it — through informed participation, consistent demand for accountability, and a refusal to accept mediocrity from those in power.

The Governor’s emphasis on civic education, particularly among the youth, found expression in student debates, cultural displays, and poetry recitations that accompanied the celebration. These were not mere sideshows; they were declarations — that the future of Nigeria’s democracy lies in the hands of the young, who must now rise as thinkers, doers, and leaders.

But beyond the celebration lies the challenge of ensuring that Nigeria’s democracy is not just ceremonial. Governor Abiodun’s words serve as a challenge to all — politicians, civil servants, traditional leaders, voters, and especially institutions — to rebuild trust, deepen transparency, and elevate service above personal gain.

As Nigeria reflects on its democratic journey, Ogun State has set a standard — not only in honoring the heroes of the past, but in declaring the mission of the future. Democracy must be more than a calendar event. It must be a living, breathing force that brings justice, inclusion, and development to every corner of the nation.

And in the words that may well define this year's Democracy Day, Governor Abiodun reminds us: “Democracy must deliver for all.”

Anything less is not democracy.