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In a significant effort to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, a broad coalition of national figures — including state governors, lawmakers, eminent patriots, and pro-democracy activists — will converge in Lagos on Thursday, June 12, 2025, for a national conference aimed at setting the agenda for Nigeria’s democratic future.

The event is being organised by the Eminent Patriots of Nigeria in collaboration with the June 12 Pro Democracy Movement of Nigeria.

Themed “June 12: Democracy Without A Democratic Constitution: Which Way for Nigeria?”, the high-level national dialogue is scheduled to commence at 11 a.m. at The Lagos Travels Inn, Ikeja.

The forum will culminate with a solemn tribute at the residence of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election — widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history.

The event seeks to consolidate the national aspiration for a truly democratic and people-driven constitution, a vision many believe has yet to be realised despite over two decades of civilian governance.

According to the organisers, the dialogue will serve as a platform for consensus building among stakeholders committed to deepening Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

Prominent National Leaders to Speak

The conference will feature keynote addresses and contributions from some of Nigeria’s most respected statesmen and women, including:

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and Chairman of The Patriots

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State

Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, former Speaker of the House of Representatives

General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd.), elder statesman

Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, legal icon and civil rights advocate

Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN

Barr. Femi Falana, SAN

Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education

Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank

Senator Shehu Sani, human rights activist and former senator

Aare Dele Momodu, media entrepreneur

Barr. Adewole Adebayo, presidential candidate and lawyer

Alhaji Shettima Yerima, youth leader

Barr. Malachy Ugwumadu, legal practitioner

Veteran Olawale Okunniyi, frontline democracy activist

Comrade Josef Eva and Comrade Ayo Adewale, among others.

Tribute and Procession to Honour MKO Abiola

In addition to the dialogue sessions, the day will be marked by a solemn tributes session and a celebration procession in honour of Chief MKO Abiola’s sacrifice for Nigeria’s democracy.

The procession will move from the conference venue to Abiola’s residence located at 42/46 MKO Abiola Crescent, off Toyin Street, Ikeja, where democracy stakeholders are expected to pay homage.

Organisers say the tribute will not only honour Abiola’s legacy but also reaffirm the commitment of the Nigerian democratic community to the ideals he stood for — justice, electoral integrity, and constitutional reform.

Speaking on behalf of the conveners, Professor Anthony Kila stated:

“This gathering is not just to remember MKO Abiola, but to remind Nigerians and their leaders that democracy must be anchored on a legitimate, people-driven constitution. The 1999 Constitution lacks the moral and legal foundation of a truly democratic charter, and this dialogue aims to confront that reality.”

The June 12 Democracy Day Dialogue has, over the years, become a pivotal gathering of Nigeria’s pro-democracy intelligentsia and leadership class, providing a platform for reflection, critique, and action towards a more inclusive and accountable democratic system.

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