The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said Nigeria’s democracy remains under strain 33 years after the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, accusing the Federal Government of failing to uphold key democratic principles and civil liberties.

In a Democracy Day statement issued on June 12, the party said the anniversary serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Nigerians who fought to defend the mandate of the June 12 election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the country’s history.

The PDP recalled the unity displayed by Nigerians during the election, saying citizens transcended ethnic, religious and regional divisions in pursuit of national progress. The party also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the pro-democracy struggle that followed the annulment of the election.

According to the opposition party, the lessons of June 12 remain relevant today, particularly in relation to the protection of democratic institutions, civil rights and electoral integrity.

The PDP urged the Federal Government to uphold democratic values by guaranteeing citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and protest, while also ensuring that opposition parties can operate freely within the democratic space.

The party further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain transparency, impartiality and fairness in the discharge of its responsibilities, describing those principles as essential for the survival of democracy.

Criticising the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the PDP alleged that the government had failed to fully embrace the ideals represented by the June 12 struggle. The party referenced reports of clashes involving security agencies and protesters in Abuja on Democracy Day, claiming that such actions were inconsistent with democratic norms.

The statement also cited reports that activist Omoyele Sowore was injured during the protests while advocating for the release of schoolchildren and teachers reportedly being held captive in parts of the country.

The PDP accused the government of focusing more on public relations than addressing pressing national challenges, arguing that Democracy Day should be a celebration of democratic progress rather than a symbolic remembrance of past struggles.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the party called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively defend democratic values. It stressed that the sacrifices made during the June 12 struggle should serve as a warning against any actions capable of undermining democracy.

The statement was signed by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, on behalf of the party’s Interim National Working Committee.