The Forum of state chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has urged former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and other key figures within the party to follow the path laid by the late Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, the Forum’s Chairman, Femi Olaniyi, spoke on behalf of all 36 state chairmen and the Federal Capital Territory. The message was issued in honor of Democracy Day, a date now set aside to remember the significance of Abiola’s legacy in Nigeria’s journey toward democracy.
Abiola, who contested the 1993 election under the SDP platform, was widely believed to have won in what is considered Nigeria’s fairest election. However, he was denied the chance to lead the country by the then-military government. Despite that setback, his legacy has continued to influence Nigeria’s democratic development.
Olaniyi noted the importance of keeping Abiola’s vision alive by encouraging SDP leaders such as El-Rufai and the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, to lead with honesty, unity, and a focus on the people.
According to him, “Today, I use this opportunity to call on all SDP leaders across the nation to emulate MKO’s legacy — to lead with sincerity, unity, humility, and people-centred governance.”
He further urged party members to promote a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, saying this mindset is necessary for Nigeria’s progress. “Let us constructively position the party for national progress and relate with one another in love and mutual respect,” he added.
The Forum also congratulated members of the SDP nationwide on the occasion of June 12, reminding them of the sacrifices made by Abiola. They encouraged Nigerians to see the day not just as a holiday but as a symbol of the enduring struggle for a fair and united nation.
“MKO Abiola was not just a politician; he was a faithful, resilient, and passionate leader whose sincerity towards building a better Nigeria was unmatched,” the statement read.
According to the Forum, Abiola’s 1993 campaign brought together people across ethnic and religious lines, powered by his clear vision and focus on the common citizen. They described him as the father of modern Nigerian democracy and a party loyalist whose dream of a better Nigeria still resonates today.
“As we mark Democracy Day, let us do so with a renewed resolve to continue the journey MKO Abiola began — to deliver a Nigeria where every citizen has a voice, and where leadership is a platform for service, not personal gain,” the statement concluded.
