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Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya, a frontline aspirant in the recently aborted elective North Central Zonal Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a scathing critique of the political class in Nigeria, warning that the annual celebration of Democracy Day risks becoming an “empty ritual” if leaders continue to betray the principles that underpin it.

In a press statement marking the 2025 Democracy Day, Ajiya declared that June 12 must not be reduced to ceremonial speeches while democratic values are undermined in practice. He reminded Nigerians that the significance of the day stems from the blood, sweat, and sacrifice of those who fought for the sanctity of the ballot, particularly in reference to the historic 1993 election.

“June 12 should not be celebrated in words while its core ideals are betrayed in practice,” Ajiya said. “It is a day that challenges every leader, every political party, and every institution to reflect and ask: are we truly upholding the values of democracy, justice, and the people’s will?”

He used the opportunity to draw attention to his experience during the PDP’s recently aborted North Central Zonal Congress, where he was a key contender. According to Ajiya, the congress was emblematic of the broader dysfunction that now defines internal political processes in the country.

“As a frontline aspirant in the recently aborted North Central Zonal Congress of our great party, the PDP, I have witnessed firsthand the dangerous drift toward internal suppression and the undermining of democratic processes,” he said. “The congress was not just an administrative failure—it was symptomatic of deeper issues that continue to threaten the integrity of our democracy from within.”

Ajiya argued that the ongoing trend of candidate imposition and backdoor arrangements in Nigerian politics represents a direct assault on the ideals of June 12. He warned that such practices make Democracy Day celebrations hollow and insulting to the memory of those who paid the price for Nigeria’s democratic gains.

“Let us not mark Democracy Day with hypocrisy. So long as we continue to promote the imposition of candidates, manipulate electoral processes, and orchestrate plots to subvert the will of the people, our participation in this celebration amounts to nothing more than a mockery—a desecration of the very ideals June 12 represents.”

Addressing members of the PDP in the North Central Zone, Ajiya commended their endurance and urged them not to lose faith in the struggle for reform and inclusion. He called for renewed efforts to restore the zone’s place in national political relevance through democratic means.

“To the faithful members of the PDP in the North Central Zone, I salute your courage, patience, and commitment to democratic values even in the face of repeated marginalization,” he said. “Our zone has been a cornerstone in the PDP’s history, and it is time we reclaimed our rightful place in national leadership.”

In his closing remarks, Ajiya reaffirmed his personal commitment to the principles of democracy, vowing to uphold the rule of law and champion the rights of the people in whatever leadership capacity he finds himself.

“I remain unwavering in my resolve to serve with integrity in whatever capacity and to pursue the aspirations of our people with passion and responsibility,” he stated. “Let us honour June 12 not just with words, but with the courage to do what is right.”

As Nigeria reflects on another Democracy Day, Ajiya’s statement serves as a pointed reminder that democracy is not sustained by ceremonies, but by the courage of leaders and citizens to protect the will of the people at all times.