Kwara State APC governorship aspirant, Engr. Femi Sanni (ARABA), has paid tribute to Nigeria’s democracy heroes, including President Bola Tinubu, the late Chief MKO Abiola, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Bola Ige, Ndubuisi Kanu, Sen Shehu Sani, Air Commodore Dan Suleiman, Pa Alfred Rewane, and other pro-democracy leaders whose sacrifices contributed significantly to the restoration of democratic governance in Nigeria.
In a Democracy Day message, Sanni described the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of Nigerians who resisted military rule and championed the restoration of democratic freedoms.
He acknowledged the critical contributions of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), civil society organisations, journalists, and ordinary Nigerians who stood firmly against authoritarianism, noting that their commitment and sacrifice provided the foundation for the democracy the nation enjoys today.
Sanni, who participated in the NADECO movement in Canada during the pro-democracy struggle, was recognised by key APC stakeholders during the party’s governorship primaries for his contributions to the democratic movement.
He also acknowledged the role of President Tinubu and other pro-democracy advocates, describing their efforts in the struggle against military rule as part of the collective contributions that facilitated Nigeria’s transition to the Fourth Republic.
According to him, democracy must continue to advance through stronger institutions, improved accountability, and governance systems that effectively address the aspirations and needs of citizens.
The APC aspirant commended recent developments under President Tinubu’s administration, particularly the Supreme Court judgment affirming financial autonomy for local governments, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening democratic governance at the grassroots level.
He also welcomed ongoing constitutional reforms aimed at establishing state police, following the passage of the State Police Bill by the House of Representatives, noting that decentralising policing would contribute to the development of a more effective and responsive security framework.
Sanni stated that the progress achieved so far underscores the fact that democracy remains an evolving process that requires the sustained commitment of both leaders and citizens.
He called on Nigerians to remain united and dedicated to democratic principles, emphasising that the sacrifices of democracy heroes, from MKO Abiola and other pro-democracy icons to present-day democratic stakeholders, should continue to inspire collective efforts towards building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Nigeria.
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