The Social Democratic Party, SDP, has pledged to recreate the spirit and outcome of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election in the 2027 general elections, describing the annulled poll as a lasting symbol of national unity, democracy, and the people’s collective will.
In a Democracy Day statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, states that Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and regional lines overwhelmingly voted for the late Chief MKO Abiola, the SDP presidential candidate, in what remains Nigeria’s most credible election.
The statement notes that the election demonstrated a rare pan-Nigerian consensus, citing Kano State’s support for Abiola over its own son, Bashir Tofa of the NRC, as evidence of the national appeal enjoyed by the SDP and its candidate.
According to the statement, the annulment of the election by the military regime aborted the hopes of national integration, social justice, and economic prosperity that Nigerians expected from an Abiola presidency.
It laments that more than three decades later, many of the challenges that inspired Nigerians to vote for change in 1993—including poverty, unemployment, insecurity, corruption, poor governance, and rising living costs—still persist.
While paying tribute to the sacrifices of Chief MKO Abiola, his wife, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, and other democracy activists, the statement commends former President Muhammadu Buhari for recognising June 12 as Democracy Day and restoring its place in Nigeria’s democratic history.
It argues that successive administrations have failed to deliver the promises associated with the June 12 mandate, resulting in declining public trust in government institutions and worsening socio-economic conditions.
The statement stresses that under the leadership of Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, the party remains committed to rebuilding public institutions, fighting corruption, strengthening democratic governance, and implementing policies that will improve the welfare of Nigerians.
It also urges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, insisting that credible elections are essential for democratic consolidation and national development.
The statement assures Nigerians that the party will present credible candidates and continue to champion reforms aimed at building a secure, prosperous, and inclusive nation, while urging citizens to remain vigilant in defending democracy.
