By George Mgbeleke

As the nation celebrates this year’s Democracy Day,the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of leading the systematic erosion of the guiding principles of democracy and the values represented by June 12.

According to the group, the ÀPC has now turned itself into a voluntary architect for the destruction of the ideological and other structures of democracy even though it was a party built by the political elements and movements that once championed the immortalization of the assumed winner of 1993 Presidential election, late Chief MKO Abiola and the restoration of true democracy in the country.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) said it joins the millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, who are commemorating the significance of June 12,, a date etched in our national history as the symbol of the people’s will, democratic sacrifice, however expressing regrets that the resistance against tyranny has been eroded by recent developments within the political space.

In its words: “June 12, 1993, stands as the day Nigerians set aside ethnic, religious, and regional differences to vote in what has remained the freest, fairest, and most credible election in the country’s history, won by Late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.

The election symbolized transparency, electoral integrity, and national unity, but tragically, it was annulled by a military junta desperate to hold onto power.
“It is, however, both ironic and regrettable that the same All Progressives Congress (APC) — a party built by the same political elements and movements that once championed the immortalization of MKO Abiola and the restoration of June 12 as Democracy Day — has become the architect of the systematic erosion of the very values June 12 represents.

“While we recognize and appreciate the efforts of past and present administrations in acknowledging June 12 — particularly the historic declaration by President Muhammadu Buhari recognizing it as Democracy Day — we must not be blinded by symbolism without substance.

“Today, elections conducted under APC-led governments have consistently fallen short of transparency, credibility, and democratic standards. From allegations of voter suppression, militarization of polls, manipulation of election results, abuse of incumbency, to compromised electoral umpires, the electoral processes under the APC have starkly contrasted the ideals that June 12 embodies.

“Worse still, the APC-led government has failed to pursue genuine electoral reforms or support the evolution of a people-driven constitution that can institutionalize transparent processes and accountability in governance. The sacred principles of popular will, fair competition, and justice, which formed the cornerstone of the June 12 struggle, have been desecrated in the pursuit of power and political control.

“The defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) — one of the legacy parties that merged to form the APC — was at the forefront of championing MKO Abiola’s cause and the June 12 ideology. Yet, those very promoters now appear to have used June 12 as a political ladder to attain power, only to discard its ethos once they achieved their ambitions. This betrayal of purpose must be addressed.”

In its call for action, the CNPP challenged the APC-led Federal Government to immediately institute a national process for the enactment of a People’s Constitution — “one that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians for credible electoral reforms, independent institutions, justice, and equity,” stating that only through such an organic and inclusive process can we lay a solid foundation for sustainable democracy.

“We also call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a key figure in the June 12 pro-democracy struggle, to rise to the occasion and lead with courage and conscience. As someone who bore the brunt of military authoritarianism alongside MKO Abiola and other patriots, history now beckons on him to prove that his commitment to democracy was not just about ending military rule, but about building and protecting the democratic order.

“The President must ensure that the 2027 general elections are free, fair, transparent, and credible — elections that reflect the will of the people, untainted by rigging, vote buying, voter intimidation, or state interference. In doing so, he will not only write his name in gold but join the ranks of global statesmen like Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, whose decision to concede defeat in 2015 set a rare and commendable example of democratic maturity.”