As Nigerians commemorate Democracy Day, businessman and political leader, Dr. Chima Anyaso, has called on citizens and political actors to reject divisive politics and uphold the principles of peace, unity, and democratic responsibility as the country approaches another election cycle.
In a Democracy Day message released on Thursday, Anyaso said the significance of June 12 extends beyond the celebration of electoral democracy, stressing that it serves as a reminder of the nation’s collective commitment to justice, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and national development.
According to him, this year’s Democracy Day holds special importance as it is the last before political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He warned Nigerians to remain vigilant against politicians and political operatives who exploit ethnic, religious, regional, and political differences to advance personal ambitions.
“History has shown that some politicians and political operatives thrive on division. They fan the flames of ethnic suspicion, religious intolerance, regional distrust, and political hostility in pursuit of power and self-interest,” he said.
“Their stock-in-trade is tension. Their currency is division. Their ambition is often placed above the peace and stability of our communities.”
Anyaso urged citizens to reject politics driven by hatred, violence, intimidation, and misinformation, emphasizing that Nigeria’s progress can only be achieved through unity and peaceful engagement.
He stressed that no political contest is worth the loss of human lives, adding that the peace and stability of the country must remain paramount.
“No election is worth the blood of any Nigerian. No political office is more valuable than the peace of our nation. No ambition should divide neighbours who have lived together in harmony for generations,” he stated.
The philanthropist also appealed to Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence or political disruption during the electioneering period.
He encouraged young people to embrace issue-based discussions, engage in constructive debates, and promote peaceful participation in the democratic process.
“I therefore make a heartfelt appeal to all Nigerians, especially our young people, to refuse to be used as instruments of violence, misinformation, or political disruption. Let us engage one another with civility, debate issues rather than personalities, and remember that after every election, we remain one people bound by a common destiny,” he said.
Addressing political leaders, opinion moulders, and public commentators, Anyaso urged them to exercise caution and responsibility in their public statements, noting that inflammatory rhetoric could threaten national unity and democratic stability.
He warned that those who deliberately promote discord and deepen societal divisions for temporary political gains risk undermining Nigeria’s democratic future and the wellbeing of generations to come.
According to him, the true strength of democracy lies not in the absence of disagreements but in the ability of citizens and leaders to manage differences peacefully and constructively.
“As we commemorate this Democracy Day, let us choose unity over division, dialogue over conflict, and patriotism over narrow interests. Let us prove that our democracy is mature enough to accommodate diverse opinions without descending into hostility,” he added.
Anyaso concluded by expressing hope for a more prosperous, just, and united Nigeria, praying for continued peace and national cohesion.
“May peace continue to reign in our land, and may our democratic journey lead us to greater prosperity, justice, and national cohesion,” he said.
The June 12 Democracy Day celebration marks the anniversary of Nigeria’s historic 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest elections in the country’s history and a symbol of the nation’s democratic struggle.
