At the June 12 dialogue in Lagos, Pat Utomi and others decried Nigeria’s democratic stagnation, urging constitutional reform and honour for MKO Abiola
Prominent Nigerians have expressed deep concern that the promise of democracy remains unfulfilled more than thirty years after the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election.
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The call came during the annual June 12 National Dialogue organised by the Eminent Patriots of Nigeria, held in Lagos under the theme, Democracy without a Democratic Constitution: Which Way for Nigeria?
Political economist Professor Pat Utomi led the charge, reflecting on the vision that drove pro-democracy advocates in the 1990s and lamenting how far the nation has drifted from those ideals.
“When we fought for democracy, we hoped that by now Nigeria would rank among the world’s top 10 nations,” Utomi said. “But look at where we are today. Is this the democracy some died for?”
Utomi called on citizens not to lose hope, urging them to persist in demanding genuine reforms.
“Nigerians must keep fighting to reclaim their freedom. If we die, we die. Nigeria will rise again,” he declared.
Other contributors echoed his views, demanding a return to the foundational values of democratic governance.
Senior advocate Dr Wahab Shittu urged President Bola Tinubu to honour the late Chief MKO Abiola by renaming the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters in Abuja after him.
Shittu also called for the release of all outstanding entitlements to Abiola’s family as restitution for the injustice of the 1993 election annulment.
He decried the current political culture, describing it as plagued by financial inducements and violence.
“We have ‘cash-and-carry’ democracy, democracy by anointment, ‘kill-and-go’ democracy. Without these, it’s difficult to gain political office,” Shittu said.
He argued for a new, people-driven constitution to replace what he termed a military-imposed framework.
Former Minister of Finance Dr Idika Kalu also addressed the gathering, stating that while progress had been slow, Nigerians should still find reasons to be hopeful.
“We must resist forces working against our national interest. United as one country, no foe can conquer Nigeria,” he said.
However, not all voices were optimistic. Gboyega Adejumo questioned the rationale behind any celebration, saying, “We may be marking the June 12 anniversary, but we are not celebrating. We are celebrating corruption.”
Mike Omeri added that June 12 should serve as a reminder of the need for federal restructuring.
He stressed the importance of building a nation where constituent units willingly contribute to national development under a fair system.
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The event, held in a hybrid format, brought together civic leaders, academics and political figures who agreed that Nigeria must urgently realign its democratic framework with the aspirations that once inspired millions to demand a better future.