As Nigeria marked Democracy Day on Wednesday, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and former Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo, have called for urgent electoral reforms and stronger democratic institutions to restore public confidence in the nation’s democratic process.
Speaking at the state’s official 2025 Democracy Day celebration, themed “June 12: Electoral Reforms and Democratic Consolidation – Enhancing Voters’ Confidence Through Technology,” Governor Abiodun emphasized the need to deepen the democratic culture beyond the ballot box by prioritizing transparency, citizen inclusion, and institutional integrity.
The event was held at the Hubert Ogunde Hall, June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Governor described June 12 as a landmark in Nigeria’s democratic history, stressing that the date serves as a reminder of the courage of Nigerians who fought for the right to vote and be heard.
“June 12 is more than a memorial,” he said. “It is a challenge to all of us to uphold the ideals for which Chief MKO Abiola and others paid the ultimate price. Democracy must work for the people, and to achieve that, we must address the deficits in our electoral system.”
Governor Abiodun acknowledged the gains made so far but cautioned against complacency, saying that challenges such as electoral malpractices, voter apathy, logistical failures and violence still persist, weakening the legitimacy of the democratic process.
“To rebuild trust, we must go beyond promises. We need a system that works—one that allows every Nigerian to vote freely, with the assurance that their vote will count,” he said.
Quoting former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, he remarked, “A credible electoral process is the foundation of good governance.”
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for carrying forward the democratic ideals as a key figure in the June 12 struggle, adding that his administration in Ogun State remains committed to inclusive development, youth engagement, and transparent governance through the “Building Our Future Together” agenda.
In his lecture, Mr. Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo faulted the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, describing it as a betrayal of democracy.
“That election was the fairest and freest in Nigeria’s history. Its annulment remains a deep scar on the conscience of this nation,” he stated.
He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adopt more sophisticated technology and fully implement the Electoral Act to strengthen the process and regain public trust.
“INEC must rise above the shadows of doubt. And to the civil society, we owe the commission an apology in some instances for misinformation,” Adebayo said.
Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, described late Chief MKO Abiola as a patriotic hero and praised Ogun citizens for their support of the annual Democracy Day celebrations.
Civil society leaders and media icons who also spoke at the event, including Comrade Bankole Solomon, Dr. Niran Malaolu, and Mrs. Funke Fadugba, underscored the importance of good governance, transparency and electoral credibility in sustaining public trust.
According to Comrade Solomon, “There’s no better way to renew hope than by governing responsibly. That’s the only language the electorate understands.”
The Democracy Day observance also featured a visit to the family home of Chief MKO Abiola in Gbagura, Abeokuta, where Deputy Governor Salako-Oyedele led top officials including the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, to offer prayers for the late pro-democracy icon.
A major part of the celebration was the presentation of awards and gifts to students who emerged winners in a state-wide inter-school debate competition held in honour of the day.
