The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewale Adebayo, has emphasized that democracy remains Nigeria's best governance option despite its current imperfections.
Speaking during a visit to MKO Abiola's residence in Ikeja on Thursday by members of Pro-June 12 Movement and the Patriots, Adebayo stated that democracy continues to be the fairest system through which minority voices can be heard while respecting majority decisions.
"For us, our Democracy Day represents a statement of intent, irrevocable decision and irretraceable step in our march to freedom from military rule and dictatorship," Adebayo said.
"Although the practice of democracy in our country may have fallen below the expectations of not a few, we take solace in the fact that we have freedom of speech and association and we elect our leaders fairly, even though not perfectly."
Perfecting Nigeria's Democratic System
The SDP chieftain highlighted that despite its shortcomings, democracy provides Nigerians with fundamental freedoms that were absent during military rule. He called on citizens to focus on strengthening democratic institutions rather than abandoning the system.
"In spite of the imperfections of our democracy, it remains the best option for us in electing our leaders," he emphasized.
Adebayo outlined critical areas requiring improvement, including ensuring transparent and credible elections, promoting accountable governance, and encouraging greater citizen participation in the democratic process.
He also urged public officials to approach their duties with humility, reminding them that government positions are not platforms for personal vendettas or self-enrichment.
"Government is not a place for revenge, personal reward, egoism or aggrandisement," Adebayo stated. "Democracy is a place to serve the rest of the citizens, who cannot converge on the State House or the National Assembly or judge every case in the judiciary."
The June 12 Democracy Day commemorates the annulled presidential election of June 12, 1993, widely believed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola, and celebrates Nigeria's return to democratic governance after years of military rule.
Follow BenriNews on our social media platforms for more updates:
