June 12 Reminds Me of Nigeria’s Missed Opportunity Under Abiola — Igini

Mike Igini, former Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo and Akwa Ibom states, has described the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election as one of Nigeria’s greatest lost opportunities, saying memories of MKO Abiola’s plans for the country still leave him emotional.

Speaking as Nigeria commemorated Democracy Day, Igini said the late businessman and presumed winner of the 1993 presidential election had outlined ambitious programmes aimed at transforming the country and reducing poverty.

“Whenever I remember some of the plans he told me of what Nigeria would be under his leadership with his Farewell to Poverty programme, I weep in my heart, and every June 12 anniversary is a reminder of a squandered and missed opportunity for our country,” he said.

Assessing Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Igini said the country’s greatest achievement has been sustaining constitutional governance without military interruption.

He also highlighted regular elections and periodic transfers of power as important milestones.

Nevertheless, he argued that democratic governance should be judged by more than the conduct of elections.

“Democracy is not merely the absence of military government; it requires accountable leadership, credible elections, robust institutions and meaningful popular participation.”

The former electoral commissioner said public trust in elections has weakened due to recurring disputes, judicial interventions and concerns over internal party democracy.

He noted that despite over two decades of uninterrupted democracy, many Nigerians continue to grapple with poverty, unemployment, insecurity and poor public services.

Igini further expressed concern about the state of democratic institutions, warning that democracy cannot thrive where accountability mechanisms are weak and constitutional safeguards are inconsistently applied.

According to him, while Nigerians enjoy greater political freedoms than under military rule, many citizens still feel disconnected from the benefits of democratic governance because of worsening economic conditions and declining living standards.

He said the widening gap between the political elite and ordinary citizens remains one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy.

For Igini, the task ahead is not simply preserving elections but strengthening institutions capable of guaranteeing credible political competition, accountability and responsive governance.

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