June 12: APC betrayed democracy-CNPP

 …urges Tinubu to deliver free, fair, credible 2027 election

By Tom Okpe

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to conduct a free, fair and credible election in 2027, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, of betraying spirit of democracy in the country.

The CNPP also said that the ruling party has systematic erosion of guiding principles of democracy and values, represented by June 12.

According to the group, the ÀPC has turned itself into a voluntary architect for the destruction of ideological and other structures of democracy even though it was a party built by the political elements and movements that once championed the immortalization of assumed winner of 1993 Presidential election, late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and the restoration of true democracy in the country.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, signed by Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, the CNPP, said it joins millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, who are commemorating the significance of June 12, a date etched in national history as the symbol of people’s will, democratic sacrifice, expressing regrets that the resistance against tyranny has been eroded by recent developments within the political space.

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“June 12, 1993, stands as the day Nigerians set aside ethnic, religious, and regional differences to vote in what has remained the freest, fairest, and most credible election in the country’s history, won by late Abiola. The election symbolized transparency, electoral integrity, and National unity, but tragically, it was annulled by a military junta desperate to hold onto power.

“While we recognize and appreciate efforts of past and present administrations in acknowledging June 12, particularly the historic declaration by President Muhammadu Buhari, recognizing it as Democracy Day, we must not be blinded by symbolism without substance.

“It is, however, both ironic and regrettable that the same APC, built by the same political elements and movements that once championed the immortalization of Abiola and the restoration of June 12 as Democracy Day, has become the architect of the systematic erosion of the very values June 12 represents.

“Today, elections conducted under electoral Governments, consistently fall short of transparency, credibility, and democratic standards. From allegations of voter suppression, militarization of polls, manipulation of election results, abuse of incumbency, to compromised electoral umpires, the electoral processes under the APC have starkly contrasted the ideals that June 12 embodies.

“Worse still, the APC-led Government has failed to pursue genuine electoral reforms or support the evolution of a people-driven constitution that can institutionalize transparent processes and accountability in governance. The sacred principles of popular will, fair competition, and justice, which formed the cornerstone of the June 12 struggle, have been desecrated in the pursuit of power and political control.

“The defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, one of the legacy Parties that merged to form the APC, was at the forefront of championing Abiola’s cause and the June 12 ideology. Yet, those very promoters now appear to have used June 12 as a political ladder to attain power, only to discard its ethos once they achieved their ambitions,” the statement stated.

In its call for action, the CNPP challenged the APC-led Federal Government to immediately institute a National process for the enactment of a People’s Constitution.

“We also call on President Tinubu, a key figure in the June 12 pro-democracy struggle, to rise to the occasion and lead with courage and conscience. As someone who bore the brunt of Military authoritarianism alongside Abiola and other patriots, history now beckons on Tinubu to prove that his commitment to democracy was not just about ending Military rule, but about building and protecting the democratic order.

“He must ensure that the 2027 general elections are transparent, and credible, that reflects will of the people, untainted by rigging, vote buying, voter intimidation, or State interference.

“In doing so, he will not only write his name in gold but join the ranks of global statesmen like Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, whose decision to concede defeat in 2015 set a rare and commendable example of democratic maturity,” it added.