LEADERSHIP-OF-ADC-IN-BAYELSA-CELEBRATE-DEMOCRACY-DAY,-CALLS FOR -CITIZENS -PARTICIPATION-OF -ELECTIONS-TO-MAKE-CHANGE.

LEADERSHIP OF ADC IN BAYELSA CELEBRATES DEMOCRACY DAY, CALLS FOR  CITIZENS  PARTICIPATION OF  ELECTIONS TO MAKE CHANGE.

Wisdom Tide News | June 12, 2026

African Democratic Congress ADC leader in Bayelsa State, Capt. Mathew Karimo, has urged political office holders to put public interest above personal gain as Nigerians mark Democracy Day on June 12. 

Democracy Day commemorates the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll. Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines voted for the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. 

The military government later annulled his victory, sparking nationwide protests that contributed to the return to civilian rule in 1999.

In a statement, Capt. Mathew Karimo said June 12 remains significant because it reminds citizens of the sacrifices made for democratic freedoms. 

According to him, Nigerians must remain committed to the people’s interest, saying no society can make meaningful progress amid greed, corruption, injustice, insecurity and underdevelopment.

Karimo, a politician and an industrialist in the marine, oil and gas sector, said Nigeria will improve only when leaders abandon a “winner-takes-all” approach and prioritize accountability, infrastructure, human capacity development, and security. 

He called on Nigerians, especially youth, to participate actively in politics to drive change, insisting that democracy thrives when citizens actively participate in nation-building and work together for the common good.

He also paid tribute to pro-democracy activists, journalists, and citizens who died resisting military rule. 

Ahead of upcoming general elections, the Bayelsa ADC Leader urged voters to reject bad governance and uphold democratic principles, including free and fair elections and the rule of law.

He however said, the Bayelsa State chapter of the ADC is working collectively with the national leadership led by former Senate President David Mark and the party's presidential candidate, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar to have a formidable and United party structure to gain power at the center and states come 2027.