The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Anambra State Branch, has called on Nigerians and the political class to replicate the spirit of unity, patriotism, and national integration that characterized the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The call was made by the Chairman of the organization in Anambra State, Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, a social critic and veteran of the June 12 annulment struggle, in a statement issued on Thursday.
Ezekwueme described the June 12, 1993 election as the “gold standard” of electoral patriotism in Nigeria’s democratic history, noting that Nigerians set aside ethnic, religious, and regional differences to vote for the presidential ticket of late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe under the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
According to him, the election demonstrated the ability of Nigerians to prioritize national unity and competence over sectional interests, despite concerns at the time over the Muslim-Muslim composition of the ticket.
“It is on record that Nigerians, out of patriotism, oneness, unity, justice, equity, and peaceful coexistence, voted massively for national integration rather than parochial interest,” Ezekwueme said.
“That election proved that when Nigerians choose country over tribe and competence over sentiment, we are capable of greatness.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the CLO chairman urged Nigerians to embrace what he described as conscience-based voting by electing leaders committed to serving the interests of all citizens regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.
He outlined five key qualities that should guide voters in selecting future leaders: competence, character, capability, commitment, and conscience.
According to him, prospective leaders must demonstrate proven ability to deliver results, possess integrity and moral credibility, exhibit intellectual and administrative capacity, remain dedicated to the common good, and show a genuine commitment to justice and equity.
“In order to make our good better, and our better best, Nigerians must vote for leaders who will serve all Nigerians without discrimination,” he stated.
“2027 must not be business as usual. It must be a re-enactment of the national consensus we achieved on June 12, 1993.”
Ezekwueme also commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for recognizing June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day and for renaming the National Stadium in Abuja after the late MKO Abiola, describing the actions as significant steps toward national healing.
He equally praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining the recognition of June 12 and preserving the democratic legacy associated with the struggle.
However, he appealed to the President to further advance the reconciliation process by honoring other prominent figures who played critical roles in the June 12 movement and paid significant sacrifices in the fight for democracy.
Among those he recommended for national recognition are former Anambra State Governor Dr. Chukwuemeka Pius Ezeife, the late Senator Abraham Adesanya, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Chief Ralph Obiora, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Dr. Joe Odumakin, the late Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Colonel Abubakar Umar (rtd), and himself, citing his self-imposed hunger strike during the struggle.
Ezekwueme stressed that Nigeria’s uninterrupted democratic experience since 1999 was made possible by the sacrifices of those who resisted the annulment of the June 12 election.
“Recall that without June 12, there wouldn’t have been May 29. The uninterrupted democracy we enjoy today is founded on the blood, sweat, and sacrifice of June 12,” he said.
“Honoring these heroes is not just about the past. It is about inspiring future generations to defend democracy.”
He concluded by urging Nigerians to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) responsibly and vote with conscience during the 2027 elections.
“Let us collaboratively and collectively work towards the re-enactment of June 12 in 2027 so we can actualize the Nigeria of our dreams, hopes, and expectations. The power to heal Nigeria and build a just society lies in our PVC and in our conscience on election day,” he added.
The CLO’s appeal comes as political activities and consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections gradually gather momentum across the country.
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