As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of betraying the democratic ideals embodied by the historic June 12, 1993 election.
In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, James Ezema, the coalition of opposition parties criticized the APC for what it described as a steady erosion of democratic values under its administration.
The CNPP urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the 2027 general elections are free, fair, and credible.
“It is ironic and regrettable that the APC a party partly born out of the pro-democracy struggle that led to the recognition of June 12 is now presiding over a system that undermines the very democratic values it once championed,” the statement read.
The group highlighted persistent concerns about voter suppression, manipulation of election results, and compromised electoral institutions during elections held under APC-led governments.
“Today, elections conducted under the APC have consistently fallen short of transparency, credibility, and democratic standards. The sacred principles of popular will, fair competition, and justice have been desecrated in the pursuit of power and political control,” the CNPP said.
The coalition also criticized the APC’s failure to implement meaningful electoral reforms or initiate the process of drafting a new constitution that truly reflects the will of the Nigerian people.
Directly addressing President Tinubu a prominent figure in the pro-democracy movement of the 1990s and former ally of late Chief MKO Abiola the CNPP called on him to uphold his democratic credentials by leading the charge for electoral and constitutional reforms.
“History now beckons on him to prove that his commitment to democracy was not just about ending military rule, but about building and protecting the democratic order,” the coalition stated.
Drawing a contrast with past leaders, the CNPP praised former President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat in the 2015 election, calling it a “rare and commendable example of democratic maturity” that should be emulated.
The coalition also reiterated its long-standing call for a “People’s Constitution” one that institutionalize fairness, accountability, and strengthens independent institutions, which it said are crucial to preserving Nigeria’s democracy.
As the nation commemorates Democracy Day, the CNPP urged all Nigerians, including members of the executive, legislature, judiciary, civil society, and political parties, to recommit themselves to democratic principles such as electoral justice, good governance, and national unity.
“Democracy is not merely a date on the calendar,” the statement emphasized. “It is a covenant between the people and their leaders a covenant the APC must now honor, not betray.”