As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 Civil Liberties Organization CLO Anambra State Branch through its Chairman, Social Critic and Apostle of the June 12 Annulment Struggle, Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, has called on all Nigerians and the political class to patriotically re-enact the spirit and letters of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election.

In a statement released today, Comrade Ezekwueme reminded Nigerians that June 12, 1993 remains the gold standard of electoral patriotism in our democratic history. On that day, Nigerians voted overwhelmingly for the Social Democratic Party ticket of Chief MKO Abiola and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe. They put nation above self, choosing unity over division despite the unprecedented “Muslim-Muslim ticket” and in defiance of tribe, religion, clan, and sectional cleavages.

“It is on record that Nigerians, out of patriotism, oneness, unity, justice, equity and peaceful coexistence, voted massively for national integration rather than parochial interest,”* Ezekwueme stated. *“That election proved that when Nigerians choose country over tribe and competence over sentiment, we are capable of greatness.”*

A Call for Conscience Voting in 2027

Ahead of 2027, Comrade Ezekwueme urged citizens to raise the bar. He said Nigerians must vote for “overarching benevolent servant leaders” whose political, religious, or tribal affiliations do not override national interest.

He outlined five non-negotiable criteria for leadership:

1. Competence: Proven capacity to deliver results

2. Character: Integrity and moral uprightness

3. Capability: Intellectual and administrative capacity

4. Commitment: Unwavering dedication to the common good

5. Conscience: Passion for socioeconomic justice and equity

“In order to make our good better, and our better best, Nigerians must vote for leaders who will serve all Nigerians without discrimination,” he added. “2027 must not be business as usual. It must be a re-enactment of the national consensus we achieved on June 12, 1993.”

Commendation and Appeal to President Tinubu

Comrade Ezekwueme commended the late President Muhammadu Buhari for his “unique wisdom” in renaming the National Stadium Abuja after MKO Abiola and for officially recognizing June 12 as Democracy Day, which he described as the start of the healing process.

He equally commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining the gesture. However, he appealed to the President to “complete the healing process” by posthumously honoring other heroes and martyrs of the June 12 struggle who paid dearly for democracy.

Those listed for national recognition include:

Dr. Pius Ezeife, Senator Abraham Adesanya, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Chief Ralph Obiora, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Dr. Joe Odumakin, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Col. Abubakar Umar, and Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, who embarked on a self-imposed hunger strike during the struggle.

“Recall that without June 12, there won’t have been May 29. The uninterrupted democracy we enjoy today is founded on the blood, sweat, and sacrifice of June 12,” Ezekwueme emphasised. “Honoring these heroes is not just about the past. It is about inspiring future generations to defend democracy,” he said.

Conclusion

He concluded with a charge to all Nigerians: “Let us collaboratively and collectively work towards the re-enactment of June 12 in 2027 so we can actualize the Nigeria of our dreams, hopes, and expectations. The power to heal Nigeria and build a just society lies in our PVC and in our conscience on election day.”

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