Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, his Deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, and the Senator representing Edo Central in the red chamber, Senator Joseph Ikpea, have eulogized Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the 1993 Presidential election, while calling on Nigerians to unite, commit to peace, and principles of democracy for a better Nigeria.
The leaders, in separate statements made available to journalists in Benin City, Edo State, maintained that these virtues will enable Nigeria to fulfil its potential as a nation.
Okpebholo, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Dr Patrick Ebojele, urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, united, and committed to strengthening democratic institutions as the country confronts insecurity, economic challenges, and threats to public trust.
Okpebholo said June 12 should serve not only as a remembrance of the sacrifices made by heroes of democracy but also as a call to action for citizens and leaders to safeguard the nation’s democratic gains.
Reflecting on the significance of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the struggle led by Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other pro-democracy activists, Governor Okpebholo said the lessons of that era remain relevant as Nigeria navigates contemporary challenges.
“June 12 reminds us that democracy is not a destination but a continuous journey. The sacrifices of our democratic heroes secured our freedom to choose our leaders, but the responsibility of protecting and strengthening our institutions rests on all of us,” he said.
On his part, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, while paying tribute to the heroes and heroines of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, described June 12 as a landmark date that symbolizes the resilience, courage, and collective aspiration of Nigerians for democratic governance and national development.
Hon. Idahosa called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to the ideals of democracy, freedom, justice, and national unity as the nation marks the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
Idahosa, in a statement by his Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, noted that the essence of recommitment is to enable the people to enjoy more democratic gains.
He said the annual celebration provides an opportunity for citizens and leaders alike to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey, assess the progress made over the years, and recommit themselves to strengthening democratic institutions.
“The continued growth and success of our democracy depend on the collective commitment of all stakeholders to uphold these fundamental values,” he said.
Also, the Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Joseph Ikpea, called for peace, unity, and patriotism as Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule.
Ikpea called for support and collaboration with the Federal Government and other state governments in their efforts to check insecurity in the country.
Besides, the senator particularly called on the people of Edo Central to take security as their own and complement what the government is doing.
He celebrated the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was annulled, leading to his incarceration and death in detention.
On the coming 2027 general elections, Senator Ikpea said there was a need to consolidate the pro-people interventions of Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was the senator representing the district before he became the governor of the state.
He said: “Today is a day that we cannot joke with in the democratic history of Nigeria. We must work together to sustain the democracy that people like Chief M.K.O. Abiola, his late wife, Kudirat, and several other people died for. Several others were incapacitated for life.
“Nigeria is going through trying times in the area of security, but it is obvious that the Federal Government and the state government under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo are doing so much to check insecurity. These efforts should be supported by all of us.”
