By David Torough, Abuja

Expectations of many Nigerians who may be keenly waiting to hear the message of hope from President Bola Tinubu have been dashed as the previously scheduled nationwide broadcast for Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day anniversary has been cancelled and will instead deliver his address during a joint session of the National Assembly today.

In an official statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, the cancellation is due to President Bola Tinubu’s confirmed attendance at the Joint Session of the National Assembly, where he will deliver his Democracy Day address instead. “All other plans remain unchanged as previously announced,” the statement noted.The theme of this year’s Democracy Day celebration is “Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms.” The theme reflects the administration’s emphasis on building upon democratic milestones through institutional and structural reforms.Tinubu’s address from the National Assembly is expected to highlight the government’s reform agenda, the importance of national unity and the collective responsibility of citizens and institutions in sustaining democratic governance.This year marks 26 years since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. June 12 was designated as Democracy Day in honor of the widely acclaimed 1993 presidential election, considered one of the freest and fairest in the nation’s history.Democracy Declining Under APC – PDPThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised the alarm over what it describes as a steady decline in Nigeria’s democracy under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).The party’s critique was made during separate chats in Abuja yesterday, ahead of the June 12 Democracy Day celebration.Several PDP leaders, including; Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor and National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba voiced their concerns, drawing parallels between the current administration and the authoritarian tendencies of past military regimes.Osadolor, in his remarks, highlighted the irony of Tinubu’s current governance style, given his historical role as a frontline pro-democracy activist during the NADECO era.“President Tinubu was one of the early frontliners among the NADECO people who fought for June 12th. That was the democracy we are currently enjoying today,” he said.However, Osadolor questioned whether Tinubu has now become a “replica or a more complex version” of the military governments he once opposed.Osadolor also expressed concern over the President’s apparent detachment from public opinion, noting that Tinubu has openly admitted he avoids the media and social media because, in his words, some people were “abusing the hell out of” him.He pointed to the administration’s alleged disregard for court orders, the weaponisation of state institutions, and the erosion of local government autonomy as evidence of democratic backsliding.“We have seen brazen attempts to stifle democratic tendencies in the land, unlike during military rule. Court orders are flagrantly disobeyed and discarded,” Osadolor stated.He specifically cited the situation in Rivers State; where a sole administrator appointed by the President went on to appoint sole administrators in local governments, despite multiple court rulings against such actions.“I wonder who is now speaking to him, the eyes through which he perceives and the ears through which he listens,” he said, suggesting that the President may be shielded from the realities of governance by his inner circle.The party leader urged Tinubu to reflect on his legacy.Meanwhile, Debo Ologunagba, PDP National Publicity Secretary, echoed similar concerns but opted to issue a formal statement later.When pressed for comment, he said, “Are we practising democracy now? Is this democracy, cronyism, or individualism? We’ll issue a statement. Don’t worry about that.”The PDP’s critique comes at a time when Nigeria’s democratic institutions face mounting challenges, including allegations of executive overreach, judicial interference, and the marginalisation of local governance structures.The party’s leadership emphasised the need for urgent corrective measures to safeguard the nation’s democratic ideals.Electoral Fraud, Power Grab a Mockery of Nigeria’s Democracy – CUPPThe Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has expressed sadness that the glory of the democratic gains made by Nigerians who troped enmass to vote in the June 12, 1993 presidential election has been eclipsed by electoral fraud and power grab by beneficiaries of the sacrifices made by citizens before, during and after that historic event.National Secretary of the CUPP, Chief Peter Ameh, said this in response to a question by Vanguard on the state of Nigeria’s democracy since the June 12, 1993, election.He explained that as Nigerians commemorate the anniversary of the historic presidential election, which was judged free, fair and credible by local and international observers, he and fellow democrats are full of lamentations about what he described as the fading glory of the sacred day.Ameh said, “The annulled election, widely regarded as a true expression of the people’s will, was suppressed by a military regime, yet its spirit inspired a relentless pursuit of democracy.“Today, however, that spirit is being suffocated by the very leaders entrusted to uphold it, through rampant corruption, political violence, and authoritarian tendencies that mock the sacrifices of June 12. “The essence of June 12 lies in the people’s yearning for a free, fair, and inclusive democratic system. Yet, over the years, this vision has been eroded by the actions of politicians who prioritize power over principle.“Persistent corruption has drained public trust, with elected officials often seen as serving personal interests rather than the common good.“Political violence, intimidation, and election rigging—evident in the unresolved glitches of the 2023 elections, for which INEC has yet to provide a transparent account—have further delegitimize the democratic process. These practices are a direct affront to the ideals of June 12, reducing democracy to a hollow ritual.“Even more alarming are the authoritarian tactics employed by those in power. The suspension of the democratically elected Governor and House of Assembly members in Rivers State is a glaring betrayal of the June 12 struggle, signaling a dangerous slide toward autocracy.“Equally troubling is the appointment of partisan actors as members of the electoral commission, a move that undermines the impartiality essential to free and fair elections.“Such actions dishonor the sacrifices of those who fought for Nigeria’s democracy and erode the principles of accountability and citizen participation.“The spirit of June 12 is a clarion call for a government that reflects the will of the people—one rooted in transparency, inclusivity, and justice.“Yet, for many Nigerians, this ideal feels elusive, overshadowed by disillusionment with a political landscape marred by greed and impunity.“As a nation, we cannot allow the legacy of June 12 to be reduced to mere symbolism while those in power trample on the very democratic values it represents.“CUPP calls for urgent action to restore the glory of June 12. We demand an end to political violence and electoral manipulation, starting with a full and transparent account of the 2023 election irregularities.“We condemn authoritarian practices and call for the reinstatement of democratic processes in Rivers State. The electoral commission must be purged of partisan appointments to ensure its independence.“Above all, we urge Nigerians to reclaim their democratic power through active participation, holding leaders accountable, and demanding a government that serves the people, not the powerful.“June 12 is not just a date—it is a reminder of our collective resolve to build a Nigeria where the will of the people reigns supreme. Let us honor its legacy by rejecting corruption, violence, and authoritarianism, and by recommitting to the pursuit of a truly democratic nation. The struggle for June 12 continues, and CUPP stands with Nigerians in this fight for justice and accountability.”