The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has dedicated himself and campaign for the 2023 presidency to the spirit of June 12 and what it symbolizes for today’s Nigeria.
Tinubu made the declaration on the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day, June 12.
Describing the day as an important one, he said it was to commemorate those who sacrificed so much, including their lives, to democracy as a form of governance in Nigeria.
“Let us never treat this day as one devoid of special meaning, as just another holiday on the yearly calendar. We must keep in special and important remembrance why June 12 is Democracy Day and why all Nigerians should honour it.
“Today is the 29th Anniversary of the annulment of the 1993 presidential election. That election was the freest and fairest Nigeria had experienced up to that moment and it yet remains as one of the best elections the nation has seen. That presidential election was clearly won by the late Chief MKO Abiola.”
He added: “For me personally, Democracy Day holds a special meaning. I was a close supporter of MKO Abiola and had entered politics believing that we could change the face of this nation for permanent good. When the military dictatorship tried to bury that dream, I was there at the birth of the NADECO movement. The democratic lessons I learned then have guided the path of public service which I have tried to follow since those days.
“This year, Democracy Day holds even greater significance. We just concluded fair, transparent, and open primaries in our party, the All Progressives Congress. The PDP also concluded their own primaries a few days earlier. Other parties too have conducted primaries. Even though we shall engage in intense and important political competition during the coming presidential campaign, I congratulate all the other candidates for their nominations and their parties for doing their part to sustain democratic processes as the mainstay of our political life.”
He expressed optimism that just like democracy finally won against dictatorship, in Nigeria, prosperity shall overcome poverty, peace shall outlast violence, compassion will conquer hatred and good will defeat evil.
According to him, justice, security, and economic development would visit and reside in every hamlet, household, village, and city in our nation.
He said the spirit of June 12 shall expand to become the spirit of Nigeria and national greatness and destiny.
“My prayer, on this day, is that people from all walks of life and all parts of the country unite to build a more industrious and peaceful society such that all Nigerians may enjoy a greater future,” he added.
