Political Leaders, Activists to Gather in Lagos for June 12 Democracy Day Anniversary
Prominent political leaders, democracy advocates, civil society stakeholders, and labour leaders are expected to converge in Lagos on Friday for activities marking Nigeria’s 2026 Democracy Day anniversary.
The event, organised by the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) in partnership with the June 12 Pro-Democracy Movement of Nigeria, will also serve as a platform for launching a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Organisers said this year’s commemoration will honour the heroes and heroines of Nigeria’s democratic struggle while drawing national attention to issues affecting the country’s electoral process.
Anyaoku, Sanwo-Olu, and Abiola Family to Attend
The event will be chaired by former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and members of the family of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola are expected as special guests of honour.
Activities will begin with a National Breakfast Tribute Session at the MKO Abiola Democracy Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, where participants will pay tribute to individuals who played key roles in Nigeria’s fight for democratic governance.
The session is scheduled to commence at 9:00 a.m. and will feature reflections from several leading voices in the country’s democratic and civil society space.
Among those expected to deliver tributes are Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Dr Usman Bugaje, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Barrister Femi Falana (SAN), Professor Pat Utomi, Senator Shehu Sani, Prince Adewole Adebayo, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero, Trade Union Congress President Festus Osifo, Ene Obi, and veteran democracy activist Olawale Okunniyi.
Democracy Procession and National Discourse
Following the tribute session, participants will embark on a Democracy Procession to Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, where the annual National Democracy Discourse will take place.
The discourse, scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m., will focus on the theme: “Reenacting the Credibility of the June 12 Elections in Nigeria in 2027.”
Organisers say the forum will bring together political leaders, election stakeholders, and civil society groups to discuss the future of democracy and electoral reforms in Nigeria.
Peter Obi, Kwankwaso, and Amaechi Among Expected Guests
Several prominent political figures have been invited to participate in the discourse.
They include Peter Obi, Prince Adewole Adebayo, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, Donald Duke, Dele Momodu, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, Dr Bilikisu Magoro, Yusuf Dantalle of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Peter Agada, Abduljalil Tafawa Balewa, and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development Solomon Dalung.
Focus on Electoral Reforms Ahead of 2027
According to the organisers, discussions during the anniversary programme will centre on the Electoral Act 2026, the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and measures needed to safeguard the integrity of the 2027 elections.
Participants are also expected to examine the impact of poverty and insecurity on democratic participation and electoral credibility.
The event will culminate in the launch of a nationwide mobilisation campaign aimed at encouraging electoral reforms and strengthening public confidence in the democratic process.
Organisers say key issues expected to dominate discussions include concerns over provisions in the Electoral Act 2026, judicial intervention in electoral matters, the influence of money in politics, the rising cost of seeking political office, the relationship between INEC and political parties, and the security challenges that could affect future elections.
They expressed hope that the engagement would help build consensus around reforms capable of strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.
Source:newsnowonline.com
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