The Labour Party has urged governments at all levels to move beyond Democracy Day rhetoric and deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians, insisting that relief from insecurity, hunger and economic hardship remains the true measure of democratic governance.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, said in a statement on Friday that the occasion should be more than a celebration, but a moment for honest assessment of how democracy has improved the lives of ordinary Nigerians since June 12, 1993.
Asogwa paid tribute to the late Chief MKO Abiola and other patriots whose sacrifices laid the foundation for civilian rule, stressing that their struggle must not be reduced to annual speeches without corresponding action from leaders.
“Nigeria’s democratic journey has witnessed missed opportunities and unfulfilled aspirations, but despair is not an option. Citizens must remain hopeful and resolute about the country’s future,” Asogwa said.
He described democracy as the most participatory system of governance because it places the people at the centre of public affairs, not only through periodic elections but also through accountability and responsiveness from those in power.
Asogwa listed insecurity, unemployment, collapsing infrastructure and the rising cost of living as urgent challenges requiring immediate action, arguing that the welfare of citizens remains the ultimate justification for any government.
“Our guiding principles of Equal Opportunity and Social Justice directly reflect the ideals of democracy. A system that excludes millions while enriching a few is a distorted and pretentious version of democratic rule.
“As Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle, the party enjoins voters not to lose faith. It pledges to present candidates of proven character, competence and capacity, from the legislature to the presidency, to rewrite Nigeria’s story and deliver real democratic dividends,” he stated.
