Hafsat Abiola, President of the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND), and Joe Okei-Odumakin, President of Women Arise, have urged Nigerians to reorganize and recommit to building a democratic system that truly reflects the aspirations of its citizens.
In a joint statement titled 'Alhaja Kudirat Abiola: 30 Years After,' the pro-democracy activists reflected on the legacy and sacrifice of Kudirat Abiola, who was assassinated in 1996 during the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria. They described her as a symbol of courage and resistance against military rule, noting that her efforts, alongside those of other pro-democracy figures, helped shape Nigeria's return to civilian governance.
A Call for Reflection and Action
'Today, June 4, marks the 30th anniversary of the death of our mum and dear friend, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, who was assassinated on the orders of the then military regime,' the statement read.
The activists lamented that despite the return to democracy, Nigeria and other African countries continue to face deep challenges, including insecurity, poverty, and declining public trust in governance. They expressed concern that growing disillusionment with democratic systems is spreading across the continent, as citizens struggle to see improvements in living standards and public services.
Elections Alone Are Not Enough
According to them, elections alone are not sufficient to guarantee meaningful change unless citizens remain organized and actively engaged in shaping policy direction. 'Some critics point out that it is easier to change political parties through elections than to change the policies elected officials adopt,' they said.
The activists urged Nigerians to move beyond feelings of helplessness and embrace collective organization as a tool for political and social transformation. They called for continued reflection on the sacrifices made during the June 12 pro-democracy struggle, urging Nigerians to build on that foundation to strengthen democratic governance.
