June 12: A Democracy Worth Fighting For, Not Just Celebrating -By Yasir Shehu Adam

Today marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria. But instead of celebrating, we should be reflecting—deeply. Because what exactly are we celebrating? Failed promises? Insecurity? Corruption? A struggling economy? Broken institutions?

It is disheartening to see some people celebrate government incompetence as if it were an achievement. Democracy is more than holding elections every four years. It is more than political parties and transitions of power. It is about justice, accountability, freedom, and service to the people. True democracy is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, as Abraham Lincoln once defined it.
Yet, in Nigeria, democracy has become a shell—loud in noise but hollow in delivery. The same old faces rotate power like a football match: soldiers become politicians, uniforms become agbadas, and the nation remains stuck. No new ideas. No real change.

Since independence in 1960, Nigerians have hoped and waited. We hoped that democracy would bring justice. That it would give power to the people. But instead, our democracy has become what Fela Kuti once called a demonstration of craze.
Elections are rigged. Ballots are stolen. Votes are bought. In the 2023 elections, despite new technologies like BVAS, the process was marred by manipulation and chaos. Peaceful protesters like those during #EndSARS were brutalized. The very rights Abiola stood for are now criminalized.
Security agencies are used to harass opponents. Courts are ignored. From El-Zakzaky to Nnamdi Kanu, to even suspended CBN governors—court orders are disregarded with impunity. The rule of law has been replaced by the rule of fear.
In a real democracy, the press is free. But in Nigeria, journalists are arrested, media houses threatened, and online voices silenced. The government has pushed bills to monitor and censor social media. Is this the democracy Abiola died for?
If our leaders truly honour June 12, they should act democratically—not just talk about democracy. Naming roads after Abiola while jailing citizens for dissent is not democracy. It is hypocrisy.
Let’s talk about Bauchi State—my home. People are afraid to speak. Traditional titles are stripped from respected leaders like Baba Waziri Bello Kirfi and Hon. Yakubu Shehu Abdullahi, simply for political reasons. Yet, this is supposed to be a democratic state.
Promises were made. Roads like Yelwan Makaranta–Lushi Road were to be built. Quality education and healthcare were promised. But where are the results? Instead, we only hear about donations from individuals like Bala Wunti and Sen. Shehu Buba Umar—while the government itself does almost nothing. The education sector is worse than ever. Health services are a mess. Welfare is non-existent. What has become of the promise of democracy?

Still, it’s not too late to fix this broken system. But change requires action—real action. Here’s how we can start:

What Government Must Do:
Electoral Reforms: Adopt full electronic voting to reduce rigging and prosecute electoral offenders. Establish an Electoral Offences Commission.
INEC Independence: Take INEC out of the hands of incumbents and political godfathers. Let it be truly independent.
Judicial Independence: Stop manipulating judges. Grant full financial autonomy to the judiciary.
Free Press & Civil Society: Repeal oppressive laws like the Cybercrime Act used to silence critics. Protect journalists and whistleblowers.
Local Government Autonomy: Enforce true independence for local governments. President Tinubu’s push is a good step—he must follow through completely.
Constituency Transparency: Make it mandatory for lawmakers to publish their project allocations and progress. Create platforms for citizen monitoring.

What Citizens Must Do:
Vote Wisely: Stop voting for rice and wrappers. Investigate candidates. Choose competence over tribe and religion.
Use Technology: Use social media to expose wrongdoing and demand accountability.
Hold Lawmakers Accountable: Attend town halls. Ask questions. Write petitions. Don’t let politicians disappear after elections.
Support Independent Media: Share investigative articles, defend free press, and fund platforms that speak truth to power.
Join Civil Movements: Whether in student unions or NGOs, organized citizens have a louder voice.
Demand Transparency: Use the Freedom of Information Act to demand explanations on how public money is spent.

June 12 is not just a date. It is not just a holiday. It is a reminder—a call to action. It is about MKO Abiola, yes. But it is also about you. About me. About all of us who want to see Nigeria become truly free, fair, and democratic.
To those in government: Stop reciting June 12. Start practicing what it stands for. Stop betraying the democracy that cost people their lives.
To the people: June 12 must not be a day of rest, but a day of resistance. A day to reflect, to organize, and to demand better.
Because Nigeria deserves more than elections—we deserve justice, dignity, and leadership that works for all.

Yasir Shehu Adam (Dan Liman) Young journalist and writer from
Bauchi.