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June 12 Struggle Remains Unfinished, Shehu Sani Says, Urges Credible Osun Governorship Poll
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June 12 Struggle Remains Unfinished, Shehu Sani Says, Urges Credible Osun Governorship Poll
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Former senator and pro-democracy activist, Shehu Sani, has said that the struggle for free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria remains unfinished 33 years after the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Speaking at the 2026 Democracy Day commemoration organised by the Osun Civil Societies Coalition in Osogbo on Friday, Sani described the forthcoming Osun governorship election as a crucial test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event, themed “June 12: 33 Years After, The Struggle for Free, Fair and Credible Elections Continues,” brought together civil society leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, politicians, media practitioners and democracy advocates.
Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Sani said the date symbolises the determination of Nigerians to ensure that the people’s mandate prevails over authoritarian rule.
“Thirty-three years later, Nigerians continue to demand elections that are transparent, free, fair and credible,” he said.
“The June 12 struggle was essentially a struggle for credible elections. It was a struggle for a system where votes determine outcomes, not manipulation; where the ballot is stronger than intimidation; and where democratic institutions enjoy the confidence of the people.”
The former lawmaker paid tribute to the late Chief MKO Abiola and other democracy activists who endured detention, harassment, exile and even death in the fight against military rule.
According to him, the story of Nigerian democracy is not only about politicians but also about ordinary citizens who made sacrifices to defend democratic values.
“The story of Nigerian democracy is therefore not the story of politicians alone; it is the story of ordinary Nigerians who demonstrated extraordinary courage,” he stated.
Turning to the August 2026 Osun governorship election, Sani said the poll would have implications beyond the state.
“This election is significant not only for the people of Osun State but for the entire nation. It will serve as an important test of our democratic institutions and a major indicator of Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2027 General Elections,” he said.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the election with transparency, professionalism and impartiality, stressing that every vote must count.
He also called on security agencies to remain neutral and ensure the safety of voters, while urging political parties and candidates to conduct issue-based campaigns devoid of violence and intimidation.
“The conduct of the Osun Governorship Election will either strengthen public confidence in our electoral system or deepen existing concerns about the integrity of the democratic process,” Sani warned.
Earlier, Osun State Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Dr. Bashir Tokunbo Salami, described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution and called for sustained commitment to democratic principles.
Salami who was represented by Special Adviser to Governor on special duties, Hon Akinwumi Odejobi, said democracy thrives when citizens remain vigilant, engaged and committed to the common good, noting that democratic governance must continue to deliver tangible benefits to the people.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Hashim Abioye, said the challenges confronting the conduct of free and credible elections in Nigeria were mounting but not insurmountable.
Abioye urged political actors, security agencies, the judiciary, the media and civil society organisations to play their roles responsibly in safeguarding the country’s democratic process.
“No election is worth the blood of any human being,” he said.
He stressed the need for peaceful participation in elections and called on all stakeholders to work towards strengthening democratic institutions and public confidence in the electoral system.
The event featured reflections on the June 12 struggle, tributes to democracy heroes and renewed calls for electoral reforms to deepen democratic governance in Nigeria.
