The Nigerian Bar Association joins Nigerians at home and in the diaspora in commemorating Democracy Day 2026, a day of profound national significance that honours the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the Nigerian people in the struggle for democratic governance.
June 12 occupies a unique place in our national history. It commemorates the presidential election of June 12, 1993, widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history, and the collective resistance of Nigerians against the annulment of that democratic mandate. It is a day that reminds us of the sacrifices made by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and countless other patriots who paid dearly for the restoration of democratic rule and the enthronement of the sovereign will of the people.
As we commemorate this day, we must also reflect on the extent to which our democracy has delivered on its promise. Democracy is not measured merely by the conduct of elections; it must be reflected in the security of lives and property, the protection of fundamental rights, access to justice, accountability in governance, and the welfare of the people.
One of the most disturbing realities as we mark this year’s Democracy Day is the worsening state of insecurity across the country. Particularly troubling is the plight of the school children and teachers abducted in Oyo State who, despite the passage of time, are yet to regain their freedom. Their continued captivity serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need for more effective and coordinated measures to protect vulnerable Nigerians and restore public confidence in the capacity of the State to guarantee security.
Sadly, the Oyo incident is not an isolated one. Only recently, armed bandits attacked a secondary school in Kogi State, killing a Vice Principal, a six-year-old child, and another victim. In Zamfara State, scores of community elders who embarked on a peace mission were themselves abducted by bandits. These incidents, alongside the numerous cases of kidnapping, killings, and violent attacks reported across different parts of the country, paint a grim picture of a nation under siege and underscore the grave security challenges confronting our democracy.
The Nigerian Bar Association therefore calls on the Federal Government and all relevant security agencies to treat the current security situation as a national emergency. The frequency and brazenness of these attacks increasingly create the impression that criminal elements are operating unchecked, taking turns to terrorise communities across the country. Government must demonstrate, through decisive and sustained action, that the protection of lives and property remains its foremost constitutional responsibility. The safe rescue of the abducted children and teachers in Oyo State, and indeed all persons currently held in captivity across the country, must be accorded the highest priority.
A democracy can only flourish where citizens are able to live, work, learn, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity. The promise of June 12 cannot be fully realised in an atmosphere where fear, insecurity, and uncertainty have become part of daily life for many Nigerians.
As we honour the heroes of June 12, we urge all public office holders and institutions of government to remain faithful to the ideals for which they fought: respect for the rule of law, constitutionalism, accountability, transparency, inclusion, and service to the people.
As we approach the next general elections, we once again call on members of the Bench and the Bar to remain steadfast in their constitutional responsibilities. The judiciary occupies a central place in sustaining public confidence in democracy, while legal practitioners serve as critical officers in the administration of justice and the protection of the rule of law. We must collectively resist every attempt to compromise the integrity of our democratic institutions and ensure that neither the courts nor members of the legal profession are used as instruments to subvert the will of the people. The preservation of our democracy demands courage, independence, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and constitutional governance.
May the spirit of June 12 continue to inspire us to build a nation where the will of the people is respected, justice is accessible to all, and democracy delivers meaningful benefits to every citizen.
Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria!
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President
Nigerian Bar Association
