The Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has warned that insecurity remains one of the biggest dangers to the survival and growth of democracy in Nigeria.
Aiyedatiwa said democratic governance cannot fully succeed in an environment where citizens live in fear, stressing that peace and security are necessary foundations for any meaningful political and economic development.
The governor made the remarks on Thursday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during the commemoration of the 33rd anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election. The event brought together government officials, political leaders, civil society groups, traditional rulers, and students.
This year’s commemoration was themed: “June 12 and Beyond: Reflecting on the Progress of Democracy and Security Concerns.”
June 12 is widely regarded as a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey. The date refers to the 1993 presidential election, believed to be the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, which was won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola. The election was later annulled by the military government of the time, leading to political unrest, nationwide protests, and a long struggle for the return of civilian rule.
Nigeria eventually returned to democracy in 1999 after many years of military rule. Since then, June 12 has become a national symbol of the people’s struggle for free elections, good governance, and democratic rights. It is now officially observed as Democracy Day.
Speaking at the event in Akure, Aiyedatiwa said democracy must not be seen only as the process of voting during elections, but as a continuous system that depends on accountability, rule of law, citizen participation, and responsible leadership.
He warned that insecurity across parts of the country poses a serious risk to democratic progress, as it weakens public trust and discourages citizens from participating fully in governance.
“We must always remind ourselves that democracy is not a destination but a continuous journey,” the governor said. “True democracy is measured not only by elections but by good governance. It is a system that thrives only when citizens embrace responsibility, active participation, accountability and unwavering respect for the rule of law.”
Aiyedatiwa stressed that democracy can only function properly when there is peace and stability, adding that insecurity directly affects how people engage with government and public institutions.
“Democracy is sustained not merely by constitutional provisions, but by our collective commitment to upholding its values and principles in everyday governance and civic engagement,” he said. “Democracy can only truly thrive in an atmosphere of peace and security. Where insecurity prevails, democratic values are weakened, civic participation is discouraged, and public trust in governance is eroded. Insecurity, therefore, poses a direct threat to the consolidation and sustenance of democracy itself.”
The governor called for stronger collaboration between citizens, government institutions, and security agencies to address rising security challenges in different parts of the country.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity nationwide under the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
According to him, the Federal Government has continued to strengthen coordination within the country’s security architecture through regular engagement with Service Chiefs and heads of security agencies under the National Security Council.
He said this approach is aimed at improving intelligence sharing, cooperation, and operational effectiveness in responding to security threats.
“The President has also repeatedly expressed support for decentralised policing and community-based security to improve grassroots security and intelligence gathering across communities,” Aiyedatiwa noted.
On the performance of his own administration, the governor said his government remains committed to good governance, infrastructure development, and improving the welfare of citizens under its “OUR EASE Agenda.”
He added that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of insecurity, stressing that his administration will continue to prioritise the safety of lives and property.
“Our administration shall remain fully committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property, because no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of insecurity,” he said. “The welfare of our security personnel shall continue to be a top priority of this government, as we remain fully committed to motivating and supporting those who risk their lives on a daily basis to safeguard our communities.”
Also speaking at the event, former Edo State Governor and guest speaker, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, described democracy as a system that gives citizens the power to question leaders and demand accountability.
Oshiomhole said the true strength of democracy lies in openness, debate, and the protection of citizens’ rights, regardless of who is in power.
“Democracy is not merely about elections; it is about accountability, transparency and the willingness to ask hard questions, regardless of who occupies public office,” he said.
He explained that democracy allows ordinary citizens to challenge those in authority, insist on justice, and defend public interest.
“Democracy empowers ordinary people to challenge powerful interests, demand justice and defend the public good,” Oshiomhole said.
According to him, while democracy does not guarantee a perfect society, it provides essential freedoms that protect citizens from abuse of power.
“Democracy does not promise a perfect society. What it guarantees is the freedom to speak, the freedom to criticise, and the protection of the rule of law,” he said. “If you break the law, you are taken before a court, not detained indefinitely without trial.”
The event ended with calls from participants for stronger institutions, improved security, and deeper citizen engagement to ensure that Nigeria’s democracy continues to grow stronger.
As the country reflects on more than three decades since the historic June 12 election and 26 years of continuous civilian rule, speakers at the event agreed that the future of democracy depends on security, justice, and the active participation of all Nigerians.