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…Urges President Tinubu to Lead Historic Reforms and Deliver Credible 2027 Polls

As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day in honour of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of betraying the core democratic values that the date represents.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP said it was “both ironic and regrettable” that the APC, a party partly formed by elements that once championed the June 12 cause, has now “become the architect of the systematic erosion of the very values June 12 represents.”

“June 12, 1993, stands as the day Nigerians set aside ethnic, religious, and regional differences to vote in what has remained the freest, fairest, and most credible election in the country’s history,” CNPP stated.

“That election, won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, symbolized transparency, electoral integrity, and national unity. But tragically, it was annulled by a military junta desperate to hold onto power.”

According to the CNPP, rather than build on the legacy of June 12, APC governments have presided over elections marred by voter suppression, militarization of the process, result manipulation, and a compromised electoral umpire.

“Today, elections conducted under APC-led governments have consistently fallen short of transparency, credibility, and democratic standards,” CNPP declared.

“From allegations of voter suppression, militarization of polls, manipulation of election results, abuse of incumbency, to compromised electoral umpires, the electoral processes under the APC have starkly contrasted the ideals that June 12 embodies.”

The CNPP said the situation is made even more concerning by the APC’s failure to initiate genuine electoral reforms or facilitate the creation of a people-driven constitution.

“The sacred principles of popular will, fair competition, and justice, which formed the cornerstone of the June 12 struggle, have been desecrated in the pursuit of power and political control,” the group added.

‘June 12 Was a Ladder to Power’

Taking a direct swipe at the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) — one of the parties that merged to form the APC — CNPP accused its political leaders of abandoning the principles they once upheld.

“The defunct ACN was at the forefront of championing MKO Abiola’s cause and the June 12 ideology,” the statement read.

“Yet, those very promoters now appear to have used June 12 as a political ladder to attain power, only to discard its ethos once they achieved their ambitions. This betrayal of purpose must be addressed.”

Call for People’s Constitution and Credible 2027 Elections

In its call to action, CNPP demanded that the APC-led Federal Government immediately institute a national process to enact a People’s Constitution, emphasizing that only an inclusive framework can ensure electoral justice, independent institutions, and democratic accountability.

The CNPP also placed direct responsibility on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was a key figure in the pro-democracy movement of the 1990s.

“As someone who bore the brunt of military authoritarianism alongside MKO Abiola and other patriots, history now beckons on him to prove that his commitment to democracy was not just about ending military rule, but about building and protecting the democratic order,” CNPP urged.

“The President must ensure that the 2027 general elections are free, fair, transparent, and credible — elections that reflect the will of the people, untainted by rigging, vote buying, voter intimidation, or state interference.”

According to CNPP, if President Tinubu delivers a truly democratic election, “he will not only write his name in gold but join the ranks of global statesmen like Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,” whose 2015 concession of defeat to the APC remains a celebrated act of democratic maturity.

Beyond Rhetoric: The True Meaning of Democracy Day

CNPP concluded by urging all arms of government and political actors to move beyond symbolic celebration and recommit to real democratic principles.

“As we mark another Democracy Day on this historic June 12, we must go beyond mere celebration and political rhetoric. We must reflect on whether Nigeria today is living up to the dreams of the heroes of our democracy,” the statement emphasized.

“Democracy is not merely a date on the calendar. It is a covenant between the people and their leaders — a covenant the APC must now honor, not betray.”

The CNPP called on all Nigerians — from the executive and judiciary to civil society and youth — to recommit to electoral justice, good governance, inclusion, and national cohesion, in memory of Abiola and the millions who stood firm against military dictatorship.

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