Political stakeholders on Monday celebrated Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, enjoining state actors to sustain it by ensuring free and fair successive elections.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Oyo State Chapter, held an event in Ibadan to commemorate the nation’s political achievement.
The Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Lekan Alabi, particularly called on the media, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure elections were free and fair.
Alabi, reminiscing on the quality of politicking in the past, said the 1993 election was adjudged the most free and fair in Nigeria.
He lauded former President Muhammadu Buhari for the post-humous award given to Chief M. K. O. Abiola, the winner of the said election and the recognition of the election.
Alabi, however, said the country had before then witnessed flawed elections, which had led to military incursions, hence the need to celebrate the nation’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.
According to him, for the nation to continue to enjoy uninterrupted democracy, the state actors must continue to uphold the tenets of democratic governance and ensure elections are conducted fairly.
“We all know that if the police, the electoral body, and the media are independent and non-partisan, elections will be free and results will be free and true,” Alabi said.
The National President of IPAC, Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, represented by its National Secretary, Mr Oyadeji Ayodele, appreciated the state IPAC for organising the event.
“I commend the leadership and members of IPAC, Oyo State Chapter, for their insight, political sagacity and tenacity of purpose in galvanising and creating a cordial political environment.
“The unity and stability in Oyo State are essential in fostering sustainable democracy and development in the state,” said Dantalle.
He urged state actors to continue to uphold democratic governance in the country.
IPAC state chairman, Prince Fagbemi Adegbenro, underscored the need to celebrate 25 years of uninterrupted democracy and ensure harmonious relationships among all the political parties in the state.
NAN reports the event was attended by representatives of various political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders. (NAN)
