The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has joined Nigerians across the country in celebrating Democracy Day 2026, paying tribute to the heroes of the June 12 struggle and reaffirming its commitment to democratic governance, national development, and the progress of Lagos State.
In a statement signed by the State Chairman of the party, Hon. (Pastor) Cornelius Ojelabi, the APC described Democracy Day as a reminder of the sacrifices, courage, and patriotism of individuals who fought tirelessly for the restoration and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.
The party noted that as Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance under the Fourth Republic and commemorates the 33rd anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, the nation must continue to honour those whose sacrifices laid the foundation for the democratic freedoms enjoyed today.
According to the statement, special tribute was paid to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, widely regarded as the symbol of the June 12 struggle, as well as the late Kudirat Abiola and numerous pro-democracy activists, journalists, labour leaders, students, women, and civil society advocates who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even death in the fight to restore democratic rule.
The APC Lagos also commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day and conferring national honours on Chief Abiola and other democracy heroes, describing the move as a historic correction of a long-standing injustice.
The party further hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as one of the leading figures of the pro-democracy movement whose contributions to the actualisation of the June 12 mandate remain significant in Nigeria’s democratic history. It expressed confidence in the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that ongoing reforms are aimed at strengthening institutions, boosting economic growth, restoring investor confidence, and promoting sustainable national development.
Reflecting on Lagos State’s role in Nigeria’s democratic journey, the APC stated that Lagos remains the cradle of progressive politics and the epicentre of the democratic resistance movement that challenged military rule. The party said the state continues to serve as a model of progressive governance and innovation.
The statement highlighted the achievements of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat across key sectors, including transportation, infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, technology, environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, and economic development.
While acknowledging security challenges facing parts of the country, the APC reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property through strengthened security institutions, support for security agencies, and policies aimed at ensuring the safety of communities nationwide.
The party also expressed satisfaction with what it described as growing public confidence in the APC across Lagos State, attributing the development to its performance-driven governance, strong grassroots structures, and commitment to the welfare of the people.
As part of the Democracy Day message, the APC urged party leaders, members, and supporters to uphold the values of peace, unity, discipline, loyalty, and mutual respect, stressing that internal cohesion remains critical to the party’s continued success.
The party cautioned against actions capable of undermining its unity, noting that while differing opinions are inevitable in a democratic setting, they must be expressed within the framework of party discipline and collective responsibility.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic ideals, the APC pledged continued support for good governance, the Renewed Hope Agenda, and efforts aimed at building a more prosperous, secure, and united Nigeria.
The statement concluded with prayers for Lagos State and the nation, while urging Nigerians to remain steadfast in preserving the democratic values secured through decades of sacrifice and struggle.
