Osun APC unveils June 12 programme, calls for deeper democratic governance

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has unveiled activities lined up for this year’s June 12 Democracy Day celebration, emphasising the need for democratic governance that delivers accountability, development and improved welfare for citizens.

Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo on behalf of the committee, Secretary of the AMBO Campaign Civil Society Committee, Comrade Adeola Olayiwola, said the commemoration would focus on reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey and promoting progressive governance.

According to him, the celebration is themed “Democracy and the Ideals of Progressive Governance”, chosen to underscore the importance of translating democratic values into policies that improve the lives of the people.

He disclosed that the programme would begin with a Democracy Day Walk starting from Nelson Mandela Freedom Park and passing through MDS, Orita Olaiya, Okefia and Lameco before terminating at the Aurora Conference Centre, where an anniversary lecture would be held.

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Olayiwola noted that June 12 remained a landmark in Nigeria’s political history, describing the 1993 presidential election as a symbol of national unity and the collective determination of Nigerians to choose their leaders through a transparent process.

He said the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists, journalists, civil society groups and ordinary citizens following the annulment of the election contributed significantly to the restoration and sustenance of democratic rule in the country.

The committee also paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Abiola and other Nigerians, who lost their lives in the struggle for democracy, stressing that their sacrifices should continue to inspire efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.

While calling on political actors, government institutions, electoral bodies and citizens to uphold democratic principles, the committee appealed to the media to support awareness campaigns for the programme and promote informed discussions on governance and national development.

In his own contributions, a chieftain of the party, Hon. Kehinde Ayantunji, called on electoral authorities, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure free, fair and credible elections ahead of the state’s next governorship contest.

He said democratic stability can only be sustained when political actors respect legal processes and electoral outcomes.

Ayantunji maintained that the APC had consistently demonstrated commitment to democratic principles by pursuing legal redress rather than violence whenever disputes arose from elections and political developments in the state.