In a strongly worded statement released today, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly dishonoring the memory of Chief MKO Abiola on the occasion of June 12, Democracy Day.
The PDP expressed its discontent, deeming it distasteful, offensive, and utterly unacceptable for the nation to observe Democracy Day under a system that violated and desecrated the very principles of democracy. The party specifically pointed out the widespread rigging that marred the 2023 general elections as evidence of this disregard for democratic values.
Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, signed the statement, which was released on Monday to mark Democracy Day. Ologunagba denounced the “barefaced manipulations” carried out by the APC and INEC during the elections, asserting that they amounted to an unforgivable assault on democracy and a complete disregard for the will of the people – the very ideals Chief MKO Abiola fought for and sacrificed his life.
Ologunagba further emphasized that June 12 symbolizes the ongoing struggle of Nigerians against corruption, manipulation, and anti-democratic practices. He singled out INEC, led by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, accusing the electoral body of representing the same injustices, impunity, and electoral fraud that Chief MKO Abiola vehemently opposed.
The PDP spokesperson expressed profound distress that all the progress and achievements made by previous PDP administrations in reforming the electoral system had been entirely erased by INEC in the conduct of the 2023 general elections.
Despite the setbacks, the PDP urged Nigerians not to lose hope but to remain optimistic and law-abiding in their quest for a better nation. The party called upon leaders at all levels across the country to be guided by the essence of June 12 and to consistently adhere to the principles of democracy for the greater good of the Nigerian people.
As Nigerians commemorate Democracy Day, the PDP’s accusations have stirred up renewed concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the need for urgent electoral reforms. The party’s statement serves as a reminder that the fight for true democracy and the preservation of the late Chief MKO Abiola’s legacy are ongoing battles that demand the attention and commitment of all Nigerians.
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