Democracy Day: Nothing to Celebrate Amid Rising Insecurity, Says OPC New Era Leader

By Olusesan Laoye

The President of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) New Era, Chief Rasak Arogundade, has said there is little reason to celebrate Nigeria’s Democracy Day in the face of worsening insecurity, kidnapping and banditry across the country.

Nigeria marks Democracy Day annually on June 12 in commemoration of the historic 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.

In a statement issued through his media office, Arogundade explained why the OPC New Era did not participate in this year’s Democracy Day celebrations.

“What are we celebrating?” he asked. “Our politics is still at a pedestrian level. Politics has become heavily monetised, while political thuggery remains prevalent. It is unfortunate that after 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, we are yet to get things right. The people are not enjoying the dividends of democracy.”

The OPC leader lamented what he described as the declining recognition of Chief MKO Abiola’s ideals and sacrifices.

“It is very sad that Chief MKO Abiola, whose free and fair election was annulled and who ultimately paid the supreme price in the struggle to entrench democracy, is no longer celebrated the way he should be. Many politicians today have departed from the principles and ideals that June 12 represents,” he said.

According to Arogundade, Abiola remains a symbol of true democracy and should continue to be honoured for his commitment to justice, equity and national development.

“For us to truly celebrate democracy, we must embrace the democratic values of fairness, justice and equity which Chief MKO Abiola stood for throughout his lifetime,” he stated.

He expressed concern that despite nearly three decades of democratic governance, key democratic principles such as good governance, respect for the rule of law, equity and social justice remain elusive for many Nigerians.

Arogundade, however, acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to address the country’s challenges, noting that certain individuals and groups were frustrating government efforts.

“While the present government is doing its best to put things right, the actions of some enemies of progress and saboteurs continue to draw the hands of the clock backwards,” he said.

He urged President Tinubu not to relent in his efforts to reposition the country and called on the government to identify and deal decisively with individuals working against national progress.

The OPC leader also appealed to both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts toward securing the release of teachers, pupils and students reportedly abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Arogundade further warned kidnappers and criminal elements against operating in the South-West region, stressing that the OPC New Era would not tolerate any form of invasion or criminal activity in the area.

“The government must bring insecurity under control. The OPC New Era is prepared to defend the lives and property of South-West residents within the ambit of the law,” he said.