Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has said the significance of June 12 should extend beyond celebrating democratic rule to ensuring that democracy delivers tangible benefits to ordinary Nigerians.
In a Democracy Day message, Omo-Agege, who is the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) flag bearer for the 2027 Delta Central Senatorial election, said the sacrifices made by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other pro-democracy activists were aimed at creating a system where citizens’ votes would translate into improved living conditions.
“The issue isn’t democracy itself; the problem is that we have practiced democracy without delivering the results we desperately need,” Omo-Agege said.
According to him, Abiola’s struggle was not merely to guarantee periodic elections but to establish a Nigeria where every vote has value and can positively impact the lives of citizens.
“Abiola didn’t sacrifice his life just so we could have elections every four years. He fought for a Nigeria where the vote of a farmer in Udu, Delta State, could genuinely change his life,” he stated.
The former Deputy Senate President acknowledged that democratic governance has expanded civic freedoms across the country, noting that young people can now contest elections and citizens can express their views without fear.
“Thanks to June 12, a young man in Warri can run for councillor, and a woman in Bayelsa can voice her opinions on the radio without fear of repercussions. That kind of freedom is invaluable,” he said.
However, he argued that democracy must ultimately be judged by its impact on the welfare of the people.
“We have democracy, but where are the benefits? People are struggling with hunger, the roads are in disrepair, and insecurity is rampant,” Omo-Agege said, stressing that democratic success should be measured by whether the quality of life of the average Nigerian improves over time.
He maintained that the June 12, 1993 election remains a reference point because of its transparency and credibility.
“June 12 was straightforward. It was all about transparency. Everyone witnessed the counting right at the polling unit. That’s why people were willing to stand up for it, even risking their lives,” he said.
Speaking on electoral reforms, Omo-Agege commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for introducing innovations such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which he said has reduced electoral malpractice and improved voter accreditation.
He nevertheless urged the electoral body to deepen transparency ahead of future elections by strengthening polling-unit level accountability.
“The key takeaway from June 12 for INEC is clear: trust is established at the polling unit. If you safeguard that environment, everything else will fall into place,” he said.
The former lawmaker recommended open vote counting and immediate public display of polling unit results, arguing that such measures would significantly reduce public doubts about election outcomes.
“Count the votes, announce the results, display Form EC8A on the wall, and let the media capture it. That single step can eliminate about 70 per cent of public doubt,” he stated.
Omo-Agege also called for improved training and protection of ad-hoc election workers, particularly members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), whom he described as frontline personnel in Nigeria’s electoral process.
On electronic transmission of results, he said credibility could still be achieved through strict compliance with relevant electoral provisions, including transparent counting, announcement and documentation of results at polling units.
According to him, “June 12 showed us that trust is built right at the polling unit, not in some hidden room. If INEC ensures the vote is protected from the start, Nigerians will trust the results.”
He further urged young Nigerians to honour the legacy of June 12 by registering to vote and obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“The PVC is your power. Don’t sell it; use it wisely,” he said.
Omo-Agege’s remarks formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration and renewed discussions on strengthening democratic institutions and improving governance outcomes for citizens.
— With statements from Senator Ovie Omo-Agege’s Media Office.
