The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating Democracy Day 2026, describing the event as a historic occasion critical to sacrifices, courage, resilience, and patriotism of those who fought tirelessly to secure and sustain democratic governance in the country.
A press release signed by the state Chairman
of the APC, Hon. (Pastor) Cornelius Ojelabi , titled :
“DEMOCRACY DAY 2026: HONOURING OUR HEROES, CELEBRATING 27 YEARS OF DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE, AND RENEWING OUR COMMITMENT TO A GREATER LAGOS AND NIGERIA”, made available to Newshereandthere on Friday reads :
“As Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule under the Fourth Republic and reflects on the 33rd anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, we are reminded that democracy was won through sacrifice, patriotism, and a steadfast belief in the sovereignty of the people.
“Today, we pay solemn tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, GCFR, the symbol of the June 12 struggle, whose sacrifice remains one of the defining moments in Nigeria’s democratic journey. We also honour the memory of the late Kudirat Abiola and countless pro-democracy activists, journalists, labour leaders, students, women, civil society advocates, and ordinary Nigerians who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even paid the supreme price in the struggle to restore democratic rule in our nation.
“Their sacrifices remain the bedrock of the democratic freedoms we enjoy today, and their legacy continues to inspire our collective pursuit of justice, freedom, national unity, and progress.
“The APC Lagos State Chapter salutes former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for his historic decision to officially recognize June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day and accord deserved national honours to Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other heroes of democracy. That courageous decision corrected a long-standing historical injustice and permanently aligned our national democratic celebration with the true symbol of the Nigerian people’s democratic struggle.
“We also salute His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, a foremost democrat and one of the leading figures in the struggle for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate. His courage during the darkest days of military rule, his contributions to the pro-democracy movement, and his continuing commitment to democratic governance have earned him a distinguished place in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“Today, under his leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is pursuing bold reforms aimed at strengthening institutions, expanding economic opportunities, restoring investor confidence, and laying the foundation for sustainable national growth and development.
“For Lagos State, June 12 occupies a special place in history. Lagos was the epicentre of the democratic resistance movement and remains the cradle of progressive politics in Nigeria. It was here that many of the battles for democratic freedom were fought and won. It is therefore fitting that Lagos continues to stand as a model of progressive governance, innovation, and sustainable development.
“Under the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State continues to witness remarkable advancements in transportation, infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, technology, environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, economic development, and social inclusion.
“The APC remains proud of the progressive legacy that has transformed Lagos into Africa’s leading sub-national economy and a globally recognised centre of excellence. Through visionary leadership, continuity in governance, and people-centred policies, our party has consistently demonstrated that good governance remains the surest path to development and prosperity.
“Beyond infrastructure and economic growth, the APC at the federal, state, and local government levels remains firmly committed to the protection of lives and property. While we acknowledge the security challenges confronting parts of our nation, we assure Nigerians that our governments remain resolute in their determination to confront criminality, strengthen security institutions, support our armed forces and security agencies, and implement measures aimed at safeguarding communities across the country. Security remains fundamental to development, and we shall continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every citizen can live, work, and pursue legitimate aspirations in peace and safety.
“We are particularly encouraged by the growing confidence of Lagosians in the APC and its programmes. Across the state, our party continues to expand in strength, acceptance, and influence. Our structures remain vibrant, our membership continues to grow, and our grassroots connection remains stronger than ever. Indeed, the APC in Lagos State is rising in leaps and bounds because it remains firmly committed to service, performance, inclusion, and the welfare of the people.
“As we commemorate this year’s Democracy Day, the party calls on all members, leaders, stakeholders, and supporters to continue to uphold the values of peace, unity, discipline, loyalty, and mutual respect that have sustained our success over the years.
“The APC remains the most formidable political movement in Lagos State and Nigeria. Our achievements, our organisational strength, our unity of purpose, and our record of progressive governance have made our party a reference point for political success and development. Many admire what we have built; many seek to emulate our model; and many desire the position we occupy today.
“It is therefore imperative that we continue to protect this precious inheritance. We must not allow personal interests or temporary disagreements to undermine the unity that has remained our greatest strength. While differing opinions are natural in any democratic organisation, they must always be expressed within the framework of mutual respect, party discipline, and commitment to our collective aspirations.
“We urge all party faithful to remain peaceful, vigilant, and steadfast. Let us continue to place the interests of the party and the people above individual ambitions. Let us remain united in purpose and focused on the greater objective of advancing the progress and prosperity of Lagos State and Nigeria.
“As the ruling party in Lagos State and the governing party at the federal level, we bear a special responsibility to provide leadership, stability, and direction. The confidence reposed in us by the people must continue to be justified through exemplary conduct, dedicated service, and results-driven governance.
“The best way to preserve our leadership position is through peace, cohesion, vigilance, and an unyielding resolve to uphold the progressive ideals and values that have brought us this far.
“As we celebrate Democracy Day 2026, we reaffirm our commitment to deepening democracy, promoting good governance, supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda, and building a stronger, more prosperous, secure, and united Nigeria.
“May the sacrifices of our democratic heroes never be forgotten, and may God continue to bless Lagos State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Happy Democracy Day!”, Ojelabi said.