“Emulate Spirit of June 12, Honor Sacrifice for Democracy “– Rep. Abiante Urges Political Leaders
By Pan Afric Reporters NASS Abuja, Nigeria – June 13, 2025
Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the 10th House of Representatives, has called on Nigerian political leaders to draw inspiration from the legacy of the historic June 12, 1993, election — an event he described as Nigeria’s freest and fairest.
Speaking to journalists shortly after President Bola Tinubu’s joint session with the National Assembly to mark Democracy Day, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker underscored the importance of the June 12 poll, widely remembered for electing Chief M.K.O. Abiola in a landslide victory that defied political and ethnic divisions.
“Why Nigerians are so fixated with the date, June 12th, is because something fantastic happened,” Abiante said. “They elected a man who defied all odds, winning even his opponent’s home state. That election remains unmatched in our democratic history.”
He emphasized that Democracy Day should be more than ceremonial. “It’s not about what we preach; it should be about the content of what we say and do. Democracy is still a work in progress, and we must strive to live up to its ideals.”
Abiante also lauded President Tinubu’s posthumous honors bestowed on national figures like M.K.O. Abiola and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa. According to him, these recognitions are long overdue and serve as vital encouragement for citizens who sacrifice for justice and nation-building.
“Oh, it’s an encouragement to those who work hard, to those who make sacrifices for the country,” he said. “The honor granted to Ken Saro-Wiwa is particularly welcome. He stood for his people until his final day. By honoring him, that stigma of ‘ex-convict’ is lifted — allowing Nigeria to fully celebrate his legacy and inspire future defenders of justice.”
Hon. Abiante urged leaders across party lines to use June 12 as a benchmark for electoral integrity and national unity, warning that democracy without justice and fairness remains hollow.
“Let us be reminded,” he concluded, “that the significance of June 12 lies not just in the history books, but in the values we uphold today.”
