June 12 Legacy at Risk Without Electoral Integrity, ACSONet Tells FG, INEC
The Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet) has warned that the enduring legacy of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election could be undermined if urgent steps are not taken to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
In a Democracy Day statement issued on Friday, the Chairman of ACSONet, Prince Chris Azor, said the lessons of June 12 remain relevant more than three decades later, stressing that the sanctity of the people’s mandate must remain the cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
According to the group, the significance of June 12 lies in its demonstration that Nigerians can rise above ethnic, religious and regional divisions when allowed to freely choose their leaders. “June 12 stands as a reminder that democracy was not gifted to Nigerians. It was earned through sacrifice, courage and collective resistance against the suppression of the people’s will,” Azor stated.
The civil society organisation expressed concern that persistent electoral malpractices continue to threaten democratic consolidation and could erode the gains made since the return to democratic governance.
It identified electoral violence, vote-buying, voter intimidation, abuse of incumbency and manipulation of election outcomes as major challenges weakening public trust in the electoral system and contributing to voter apathy.
As preparations gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, ACSONet called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take deliberate steps to rebuild confidence in the electoral process.
The group urged the electoral body to strengthen transparency, improve voter education, ensure consistent application of electoral regulations, deploy technology more effectively and uphold the highest standards of neutrality and professionalism.
“Nigerians must not only be assured that their votes count; they must also see clear evidence that every vote counts,” the statement stressed.
ACSONet also charged security agencies to maintain impartiality during elections and act strictly as protectors of voters and democratic institutions rather than instruments of partisan interests.
The network described the steady decline in voter turnout across recent elections as a troubling indication of growing public distrust in the democratic process.
According to the group, citizens are more likely to participate in elections when they believe the process is credible, transparent and capable of reflecting the genuine choice of the electorate.
While focusing on electoral integrity, ACSONet noted that democracy cannot be sustained solely through periodic elections. It said worsening economic hardship, rising living costs, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power have increased pressure on millions of Nigerians.
The organisation therefore urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen social protection programmes and ensure that ongoing economic reforms deliver tangible benefits through job creation, support for small businesses, improved healthcare, quality education and effective social safety nets.
It also called on state governors to demonstrate greater accountability in the management of increased revenues accruing to states by investing in roads, schools, healthcare facilities, agriculture, security and other critical sectors.
“Citizens rightly expect these resources to translate into better roads, functional schools, accessible healthcare, agricultural development, improved security and sustainable economic opportunities,” the statement said.
Quoting former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, ACSONet maintained that good governance remains a critical driver of poverty reduction and national development.
The group called for renewed commitment to electoral integrity, accountable leadership, responsive governance and inclusive development, insisting that Nigeria’s democratic future depends on the strength of its institutions and the trust citizens place in them.
“Democracy flourishes when leaders respect the will of the people and when institutions work in the public interest,” the statement added.
