The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Nigerian youths to take ownership of the nation’s democracy, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping the country’s future.
The appeal was made by the National Youth Leader of the party, Chukwuka Odimbu, during a one-day National Leadership Conference held in Abuja on Wednesday.
“As Nigerians commemorate this 12th day of June as Democracy Day; it is indeed a memorable and eventful period. It is in the history of our existence as people of common pain, the nation of consanguinity, and a democratic independent entity,” Odimbu stated.
Highlighting the significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s political history, Odimbu said, “June 12th holds a special place in our hearts as it marks a historic turning point.
“It is a day that symbolizes the resilience of our democratic spirit, a spirit that was unmistakably evident during the 1993 elections.
“These elections, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in our nation’s history, were unfortunately annulled, leading to widespread protests and calls for justice.
The events of June 12, 1993, became a catalyst for profound political change, eventually ushering in an era of renewed democratic governance.”
Odimbu further called on Nigerian youths to actively participate in governance and promote peace.
“ADC hereby implores our youths to take ownership of our dear country as it belongs to all of us.
“As youths, we make up a chunk of the country’s population; our numerical strength is unmatchable as we have a vital role to play towards sensitizing the entire populace.
“Our role is simple; preach peace in principle-action and speech, then participate in governance towards purposeful engagement and sustainable development.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, Odimbu noted, “This, indeed, calls for a celebration that we could still stand as a people, a nation despite all odds and challenges over the past two decades.
“Notably, Nigeria’s uninterrupted democratic sojourn of over two decades (1999-2024) had been characterized at a stretch with mixed experiences, the good and the bad, progress and retrogression, economic boom and upturn, upheavals and giant strides, successes and challenges, hopes and successive fulfillments.”
He also emphasized that democracy is an ongoing process that requires constant vigilance and active participation.
“Today, as we celebrate Democracy Day, we must acknowledge the progress we have made while recognizing that democracy is an ongoing process, not a destination.
“It requires constant vigilance, active participation, and commitment to the common good. This is where you, the youths, come in.”
Additionally, the ADC urged President Bola Tinubu to fulfil his civic responsibility to protect Nigeria’s young democracy through both words and actions.
