Anayochukwu Agbo
That was the most important question at the “World Press Conference” organised by the Federal Government on Tuesday, June 9, ahead of June 12 Democracy Day to mark 27 years of uninterrupted democracy since 1999. The media wanted to know the lessons of June 12 and how committed the government is to the practice of democracy and rule of law against the background of discordance and strangulation of the opposition parties in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
“The first lesson is that the voice of the people must always be supreme; it must be sacrosanct. That’s the beauty of democracy. We prefer the ballot to bullets”, answered George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation, SGF.
He went down memory lane and recalled a meeting on the issue of power rotation as a safeguard for democracy in Nigeria. “At the meeting, there were two items on the agenda: power shift and the candidature of our party (PDP then) for the presidential election. It was a tough argument before the issue of rotational presidency was agreed upon. At the end, we had to concede. We must do this. The June 12 annulment had complicated the whole situation. It was finally agreed that power would alternate between the North and the South.”
He skillfully took a jab at Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, who appears not to believe in power rotation. “Atiku was one of the leaders at that meeting, which was convened by Chief (Solomon) Lar. He was part of that agreement.”
Against the uncertainties surrounding the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC’s capacity to conduct free, fair and credible elections like Humphrey Nwosu, then chairman of INEC, did in 1992, Akume reaffirmed confidence in the Commission. “Fortunately for us, those at the Independent National Electoral Commission are men and women of honour and integrity. They are determined to make a difference. Never again will such happen in this country. You win, you win. When you lose, go back and prepare for another election.
“If an election is conducted very fairly, and one wins no problem. The actors at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are not young people, they were adults when this thing happened. If we were to take a poll at that time, over two-thirds of Nigerians would have condemned that act of annulment. Abiola won that election round and square. That election was annulled by the military government. It was very painful because the people spoke and they spoke freely. They made their own choice.”
Then he homed in: “We have decided to embrace democracy. That is why, for 27 unbroken years, we have enjoyed this freedom in a democratic setting. We cherish the values and principles of democracy, and there is no system as beautiful as democracy. We love the values and the morals of democracy, and there is no system that is as beautiful as democracy. It is under a democratic system that you can insult your president and to insult anybody and still go to bed, and you don’t receive a midnight knock on your door. Try it under a totalitarian regime.” Akume argued.
“The message from the government today is straightforward. This administration wishes to let us all recognise the fact that Nigeria is a huge and viable project, and it remains a work in progress.”
Akume sincerely admitted gaps which the government pledges to address. “The government, even with all hands on deck, will never claim that every challenge has been solved.
While we pursue various reforms diligently, with purpose and compassion, the government recognises that inflation has been painful, although it is on a downward trend. The government is similarly conscious of the fact that insecurity still threatens lives and livelihoods, and that the effects of reforms do not land evenly or yield desired results immediately. The President shares in and feels your pains, and his efforts are already bearing results.”
He said the government “shall scale up what is working. Our task is not yet completed. Under the leadership of President Tinubu, more dividends will be delivered.”
Calling for unity and peace in the country, he said, “Let me remind us that democracy thrives when there is cohesion. In a country as diverse and plural as ours, development is strongest when trust is stronger than division. The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) remains a standing Christian-Muslim platform for peace, dialogue, peaceful co-existence and understanding. This administration has continued to promote the activities of NIREC as it enhances national stability. We must all remember that we are strengthened when the nation deploys its pluralism as a democratic asset.”
Akume assured Nigerians that the current administration is fully committed to protecting democracy, defeating terror, and addressing economic hardships. On security and counter-terrorism, he declared that the government will never surrender to terrorists, bandits, or kidnappers. He said security agencies are receiving the necessary resources to protect communities, secure the country’s territorial integrity, and rescue abducted citizens.
On the economy he acknowledged the ongoing economic challenges, such as inflation, and defended the structural reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Akume urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to reject political violence, hate speech, and divisive campaigns.
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, noted that “Democracy Day occupies a unique place in our national calendar. It provides an opportunity for us to reflect on our democratic journey, celebrate the resilience of our institutions and honour the sacrifices of patriots who stood firm in the struggle for democratic governance.
“We pay tribute to the memory and enduring legacy of Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, whose commitment to democratic ideals remains an inspiration to generations of Nigerians. We also acknowledge the many Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who played significant roles in the pro-democracy movement and contributed to the restoration of democratic rule in our country.
“Twenty-seven years of uninterrupted democratic governance is a milestone worthy of celebration. It is a testament to the determination of Nigerians to uphold democratic values, strengthen national institutions and continuously strive for a more prosperous and united nation.”
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