The Non-Partisan Progressives Movement of Nigeria (NPPMN) has renewed its call for urgent electoral reform, advocating for credible polls, justice, and institutional accountability as indispensable pillars of a thriving democracy.
In a deeply reflective Democracy Day statement signed by its Chairman and National Coordinator, Chief Chamberlain Owen Obaseki, the Otaifoh of Uromi Kingdom, the NPPMN paid glowing tribute to Chief M.K.O. Abiola, describing him as “a visionary leader, philanthropist par excellence, trailblazer in African sports, and an eternal hero and mentor.
“Today, we commemorate 32 years since millions of Nigerians stood in solidarity, queuing to vote for MKO Abiola, the Aare Onakankanfo of Yoruba land. His campaign slogan — ‘Abolishment of Poverty’ — deeply resonated with the masses. He won the freest and fairest election in our history, even defeating his rival in his home state of Kano.”
Despite Abiola’s overwhelming electoral victory, the mandate was annulled. Yet, he remained resolute in his democratic convictions.
Going further, Chief Obaseki asserted: “He refused to surrender. Each time he was asked to give up, he would respond, ‘What about the over 14 million Nigerians who voted for me?’ He was imprisoned, held in solitary confinement for over four years, and ultimately paid the supreme price on July 7, 1998.”
The group noted that Abiola’s martyrdom laid the foundation for Nigeria’s current democratic journey. The zoning of the presidency to the Yoruba ethnic group in 1999, it emphasized, was a direct consequence of his sacrifice.
As the nation reflects on this historic day, the NPPMN stressed that honouring Abiola must transcend symbolic gestures and be evident in reforms, leadership integrity, and genuine democratic development.
Four Urgent National Demands
The movement presented a four-point national agenda to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and democratic institutions across the country:
1. Enact a law mandating the electronic transmission of election results from polling units. The group insists this is essential for electoral transparency, credibility, and public trust.
2. Implement full local government autonomy in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and the recent Supreme Court ruling. According to the NPPMN, empowering grassroots governance is crucial for inclusive development.
3. Restore democratic governance in Rivers State, where the current administration under a military administrator is deemed unconstitutional and detrimental to democratic order.
4. Promote meritocracy across all sectors—from public service to political appointments—emphasizing that rewarding mediocrity undermines national growth and dishonours the legacy of Nigeria’s democratic heroes.
“Democracy is meaningless if elections are rigged, local governments are paralyzed, and institutions are weakened. We owe it to Abiola and countless others to get it right,” the statement asserted.
The NPPMN reaffirmed its commitment to value-driven leadership, devoid of partisanship or ethnic bias.
“At NPPMN, we will continue to raise our voices—not banners—for progress beyond politics. M.K.O. Abiola’s legacy of courage, conviction, and compassion remains our guiding light,” Chief Obaseki asserted.
As Nigerians across the country observe Democracy Day, the movement urged all citizens to uphold the ideals of justice, truth, accountability, and democratic excellence.
“Let us not merely celebrate democracy—let us live it, defend it, and deepen it,” the statement concluded.
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