… Demand respect for rule of law, justice
… Call for free, fair, credible elections in 2027
By Hosea Parah
As Nigerians commemorate Democracy Day today, June 12, 2026, stakeholders across the country have renewed calls for a free, fair and credible elections in 2027, drawing inspiration from the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election conducted under the leadership of late Professor Humphrey Nwosu.
The 1993 election, organized by the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), is widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history. Stakeholders urged the government, electoral institutions and political actors to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability and electoral justice that characterized the 1993 exercise.
They emphasized that the sacrifices made by Professor Nwosu and pro-democracy groups in advancing democracy, constitutional governance and the protection of citizens’ voting rights should serve as a guide for the nation’s democratic journey ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking with DailyNewsCraft, prominent human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), said the government must address the worsening insecurity across the country to create a conducive environment for credible elections.
”We cannot be talking about elections in 2027 while terrorism, kidnapping, abduction and banditry continue to threaten the lives of Nigerians,” Falana said. “The government must ensure adequate security so that citizens can freely participate in the electoral process as they did during Professor Humphrey Nwosu’s era.”
Former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Abdu Aboki, stressed that the responsibility for credible elections extends beyond electoral institutions alone.
”As we celebrate individuals who embodied the values of democracy, integrity and excellence, we must remember that the possibility of credible elections rests on all of us—citizens, political actors, security agencies, the media and the broader community,” he said.
”In the spirit of June 12, let us commit ourselves to truth, fairness and courage. Let us work together to build a Nigeria where elections are not a source of tension but a celebration of the people’s will. We must ensure that future generations inherit a democracy stronger than the one we met.”
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), said the June 12 commemoration provides an opportunity for Nigerians to strengthen democratic institutions and electoral integrity.
According to him, as the country prepares for another electoral cycle leading up to the 2027 general elections, stakeholders must reflect on the importance of political accountability, peaceful participation and public trust in democratic institutions.
”We are compelled to renew our commitment to preserving democratic memory while building democratic resilience for the future,” Ojukwu said.
He noted that the June 12 Democracy Day offers election managers, policymakers, political parties, civil society organizations, security agencies, the media and government institutions an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on strengthening electoral integrity.
Ojukwu added that the annual commemoration should encourage voter education, institutional accountability and greater democratic participation across the country ahead of the 2027 elections and beyond.
Also speaking, the Anglican Bishop of Mbaise Diocese, Rt. Rev Chamberlain Chinedum Ogunedo, JP called on politicians and the electorates to ensure that next year’s general elections are free, fair and credible and transparent.
He also decried the current level of insecurity in Nigeria advising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to quickly restore confidence in the citizenry by ending violence and all forms of criminality in the country.
Bishop Ogunedo made the statement recently while delivering the Presidential Address at the 1st Session, of the 12th Synod of the Diocese of Mbaise (Anglican Communion) held at St Barth’s Anglican Church Nguru Nweke community in Aboh Mbaise Local government area of Imo State attended by top politicians, senior government officials, captains of industries, the cleric and laity of the Diocese.
Speaking on the theme of the Synod: “The Loudest Hallelujah Without The Fear of God” (Amos 5:23–24), Ogunedo said there was the need for all stakeholders in the electoral process to ensure that the nation comes out stronger after the elections
His words, “The 2027 general elections are in top gear with smouldering smoke of prevailing dangers with deadly coughs of desperation and uncertainty of who would even live to witness the year! Our hope rests in God and his divine ordinance and providence.
”As co-labourers with God, we must fight the good fight of faith, shun manipulation or being manipulated, desist from vote buying and vote sharing, stand right behind trusted and purposeful candidates and ensure at every level, that our votes count.
“Let us avoid actions that would mar free and fair elections and pursue after righteousness that would exalt our country into the glorious land of God”, the bishop said
In all, Nigerians unanimously called for a transparent and credible electoral process in 2027, expressing the hope that future elections would reflect the true will of the people and reduce the growing trend of post-election litigation.
On June 12, 1993, Nigerians overwhelmingly voted for Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola as their civilian president after several years of military rule.
However, the ruling military regime annulled the election, plunging the country into a prolonged political crisis. This injustice sparked nationwide outrage, protests, and an intense struggle that ultimately paved the way for the end of military dictatorship and the birth of the Fourth Republic in 1999.
But in 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 the new Democracy Day, replacing May 29, in recognition of its historical significance.
Analyst say that June 12 serves multiple purposes for Nigerians. These include, National Reflection: A time for the country to reflect on its democratic journey, evaluate progress, and address ongoing challenges; Honoring Sacrifice by paying tribute to the martyrs of Nigerian democracy who stood against military oppression; and, upholding Democratic Values: It reinforces the power of the people’s vote and the demand for transparency, justice, and accountability in government.