As Nigerians commemorate June 12, the date widely regarded as the day of Nigeria’s freest and fairest election, the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Senator Ugochukwu Uba, has issued a powerful statement urging citizens to reflect on the nation’s political direction and embrace a return to value-driven, ideological politics.
Senator Uba said the significance of June 12, 1993, lies not only in the democratic victory of Bashorun MKO Abiola but in the unity, hope, and ideological clarity that the SDP offered at the time — ideals which he insists are still relevant and urgently needed today.
He lamented that Nigeria’s current political landscape is dominated by parties with “zero political ideology” and reiterated that the SDP remains the only credible alternative, rooted in the vision of its founding fathers and the principles enshrined in Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution.
Below is the full text of Senator Ugochukwu Uba’s press statement as released to the media:
PRESS STATEMENT
REVISITING NIGERIA’S UNFINISHED DEMOCRATIC PROCESS WITH THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY, SDP, PROVIDING AN IDEOLOGICAL ALTERNATIVE IN A POLITICAL SETTING OCCUPIED BY POLITICAL PARTIES WITH ZERO POLITICAL IDEOLOGY
— Sen. Ugochukwu Uba, SDP Deputy National Chairman (South)
As Nigerians gather to celebrate the historic date of June 12, 1993, it is nostalgic to remember the important significance of this date and the sacrifices of our past heroes, who were martyrs of our democracy.
June 12 was a pivotal milestone that should remind Nigerians of the resilience of the greatest hero of our democracy, Bashorun MKO Abiola and the Social Democratic Party, SDP, to unite Nigeria under one tent of progressive unity and true democratic ideology.
June 12 was the fairest, freest and most credible election in the annals of our electoral processes. It was a testimony of the resilience and determination of the SDP in collaboration with Nigerians, to work together towards achieving a brighter future, where every citizen shall have access to opportunities and resources.
As we mark June 12 as our Democracy Day, we must reflect on our progress and challenges. The SDP, just as in 1993, is committed to serving the people and promoting good governance. I call on Nigerians to join the SDP in shaping a better Nigeria for all, because the unfinished democratic process of 1993 must continue, according to the visions of our founding fathers.
We must honour the sacrifices of our heroes past by continuing the struggle for a Nigeria that is free, fair and prosperous for every citizen. This was what SDP stood for in 1993, that made Abiola the champion of the people. Today, the SDP still stands firmly on those golden values.
On this Democracy Day, the SDP reaffirms its commitment to the values of democracy, justice and equity. We want to build a Nigeria where every voice matters and every citizen thrives. This is in line with Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended): Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy. SDP is committed to providing an ideological alternative in a country with political parties with zero political ideology.
The statement comes as political observers, civil society groups, and citizens nationwide continue to evaluate the gains and setbacks of Nigeria’s democratic journey. Senator Uba’s message adds to the voices demanding a more accountable, ideologically grounded leadership ahead of future elections.
For many Nigerians, June 12 remains not only a date to remember but a call to rekindle the promise of a truly people-oriented democracy — one that the SDP says it is ready to lead once again.
