By Ibrahim Salaudeen, Lagos
Prominent pro-democracy advocates, political leaders, civil society actors, labour representatives, youth and women leaders have called for urgent electoral, constitutional, security and economic reforms to rescue Nigeria from what they described as a deepening national crisis.
The call was made at the June 12 Democracy Anniversary Dialogue organized by the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) in collaboration with the June 12 Democracy Movement of Nigeria, held at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, on Friday, June 12, 2026.
The anniversary event commenced with a solemn visit to the MKO Abiola Democracy Centre, where participants paid tribute to the heroes and heroines of Nigeria’s democratic struggle before proceeding to the dialogue session at the hotel.
The gathering attracted a broad spectrum of Nigerians and democracy enthusiasts, including political leaders of thought, pro-democracy groups, June 12 stakeholders, political party leaders, labour activists, civil society advocates, women leaders and youth organizations.
Among the notable contributors to the historic dialogue were Dr. Tunji Abayomi, Prince Adewole Adebayo, Prof. Sylvester Odion Akhaine, Comrade Dr. Olusegun Mayegun, Mike Igini, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar Umar Gombe, Prof. Anthony Kila, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, Prof. Remi Sonaiya, Comrade Wale Okunniyi, Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju, Oloye Adeboyega Adeniji and Comrade Solomon Celkap Dalung, among several other political stakeholders.
The dialogue took place against the backdrop of what participants described as widespread national challenges, including declining public confidence in the electoral process, worsening insecurity, growing poverty, and an increasing loss of faith in the Nigerian project among citizens.
At the end of extensive deliberations, stakeholders unanimously agreed that Nigeria requires urgent intervention and adopted what they termed an “Agenda for a Valuable Nigeria.”
Call for Credible Elections Before 2027
As part of immediate measures, the forum urged the National Assembly to undertake an urgent review of the Electoral Act before the 2027 general elections to guarantee a credible electoral process that truly reflects the will of the Nigerian people.
Participants stressed that restoring confidence in elections remains critical to strengthening democratic governance and national stability.
Demand for Accountability and Improved Governance
The stakeholders also called on government at all levels to demonstrate greater responsibility and accountability in the management of national resources.
According to the communiqué, Nigeria’s wealth should be directed towards improving the welfare, security and overall well-being of citizens rather than being mismanaged or diverted from critical national priorities.
Insecurity Requires Urgent Action
The forum expressed grave concern over the worsening security situation across the country, describing terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality as existential threats to national survival.
Participants urged government to work closely with communities across the federation to implement effective and immediate measures capable of addressing the escalating insecurity challenge.
Tackling Food Insecurity and Agricultural Decline
The dialogue further identified declining agricultural productivity and growing food insecurity as major threats to Nigeria’s future.
Stakeholders called on government to move beyond policy assurances and take concrete actions to boost food production, support farmers and ensure food security for the country’s rapidly growing population.
Renewed Call for a People’s Constitution
In what emerged as one of the most significant resolutions of the gathering, participants argued that the 1999 Constitution lacked sufficient democratic legitimacy because it was enacted under military rule.
The assembly maintained that while the military government possessed powers to enact laws, it did not have the mandate to create a constitution on behalf of the Nigerian people.
Consequently, the forum called on the National Assembly to immediately initiate legislation that would enable Nigerians to democratically produce and adopt a constitution that genuinely reflects the collective aspirations and consent of the country’s diverse peoples.
Pro-Democracy Think Tank to Drive Reforms
To advance the implementation of the resolutions, stakeholders resolved to establish an ideological think tank comprising committed pro-democracy actors.
The body is expected to mobilize stakeholders and citizens nationwide towards the realization of the resolutions and to safeguard Nigeria’s future from what participants described as the dangers posed by political opportunism and systemic decline.
Appeal for National Unity and Hope
In their concluding remarks, participants appealed to Nigerians to remain united by a common vision of a prosperous and democratic nation.
They urged citizens not to lose faith in Nigeria’s possibilities, emphasizing the country’s strategic importance as the most significant Black nation in the world and highlighting the immense potential of its people.
The anniversary dialogue ended with a strong call for the urgent consideration and implementation of the recommendations contained in the communiqué as a pathway towards democratic consolidation, economic prosperity and sustainable national development.
The communiqué was signed by Dr. Tunji Abayomi, Comrade Solomon Dalung, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar Umar Gombe, Prof. (Mrs.) Remi Sonaiya, Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju, Comrade Olusegun Mayegun, Dr. Tanko Yunusa and Veteran Olawale Okunniyi on behalf of the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) and the June 12 Democracy Movement of Nigeria.
This version is written in a professional newspaper/reporter’s style suitable for publication in national newspapers, online news platforms, or organizational press releases.
