Senator Akume made the clarification on Tuesday while responding to questions during the World Press Conference held in Abuja as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day Anniversary.

The SGF recalled that the annulment of the June 12 election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history and won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, necessitated far-reaching political decisions aimed at preserving national unity and strengthening the country’s democratic foundation.

According to him, leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met in Kaduna under the leadership of the late Chief Solomon Lar and Alhaji Adamu Ciroma to deliberate on the way forward, with power shift and the party’s presidential candidature featuring prominently on the agenda.

“It was a tough argument before the issue of rotational presidency was agreed on. At the end, we had to concede. We must do this. June 12 annulment had complicated the whole thing. It was finally agreed that we’ll be alternating between North and South.

“Atiku was one of the leaders at that meeting, which was convened by Chief Solomon Lar. He was part of that agreement,” Senator Akume stated.

The SGF explained that the decision to alternate presidential power between the North and the South emerged from the need to address the political consequences of the June 12 annulment and to promote inclusiveness and national cohesion.

Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Senator Akume described the annulment as a painful setback to the democratic aspirations of Nigerians, noting that the election was adjudged free, fair and credible.

“Abiola won that election round and square. That election was annulled by the military government. It was very painful because the people spoke and they spoke freely. They made their own choice,” he said.

He added that one of the most enduring lessons from the June 12 experience is the supremacy of the people’s will in a democratic society.

“The first lesson is that the voice of the people must always be supreme; it must be sacrosanct. That’s the beauty of democracy. We prefer the ballot to bullets,” he said.

Senator Akume expressed confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying the country has learnt valuable lessons from the events of 1993 and would never allow a repeat of such an annulment.

“If an election is conducted very fairly, and one wins no problem. The actors at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are not young people, they were adults when this thing happened. If we were to take a poll at that time, over two thirds of Nigerians would have condemned that act of annulment.

“Fortunately, for us, those at INEC are men of honour and integrity, they are well read that patriotic Nigerians, and they’re determined to also make a difference. Never again would such happen in this country.
You win, you win. When you lose, go back and prepare for another election. Look at the American example. President Trump lost to Joe Biden. He didn’t bring America down.
He went back prepared and came back and won. That’s the beauty of democracy.

“We have decided to embrace democracy. That is why, for 27 broken years, we are enjoying this freedom in a democratic setting. We love the values and the morals of democracy, and there is no system that is as beautiful as democracy.

“It is under a democratic system that you can insult your president and to insult anybody and still go to bed, and you don’t receive a midnight knock on your door. Try it under a totalitarian regime.” Akume stated.

He urged political actors to embrace democratic principles, respect electoral outcomes and continue to strengthen the nation’s democratic culture.

The SGF further noted that Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule underscore the country’s commitment to democratic values, freedom of expression, the rule of law and peaceful political participation.

The post June 12: Atiku was part of the decision for rotational Presidency – Akume appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

The assurance was conveyed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume CON, on Sunday during the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.

The Democracy Day Service which has the theme, “God of hope, actualise our dreams,” was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Speaker House of Representatives,Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; Minister of Foreign Affairs; Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation; Mrs, Didi Walson-Jack.

Akume, who delivered President Tinubu’s message, congratulated Nigerians on 27 uninterrupted years of democratic rule since 1999, describing the milestone as a testament to the resilience, commitment and sacrifices of citizens who fought for the restoration of democracy.

He paid tribute to pro-democracy activists and patriots of the June 12 struggle, noting that many endured persecution, injuries and even death in the quest to secure democratic governance for the country.

The SGF said the President remains committed to fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities and would “double his efforts” to ensure that the socio-economic difficulties currently confronting Nigerians are substantially reduced through the delivery of sustainable democratic dividends.

Acknowledging the hardship facing many households, Senator Akume said the government was fully aware of the economic strain, insecurity, kidnappings and displacement affecting several communities across the country.

“Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” he said, adding that Tinubu was leading efforts to address the challenges with compassion and a strong sense of responsibility.

On security, the SGF stressed that the safety of Nigerians remains a top priority of the Federal Government, describing recent attacks and abductions as painful reminders that more work remains to be done.

He assured citizens that the safe return of all persons in captivity remains a national priority, noting that security agencies and relevant institutions are being supported with the necessary resources to protect lives, secure communities and preserve Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation,” he declared.

With political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gradually gathering momentum, the SGF urged Nigerians to reject violence, hate campaigns and divisive rhetoric, warning that democracy must never be reduced to a battleground.

He particularly appealed to young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used for thuggery, political violence, misinformation campaigns, ethnic abuse or religious intolerance.

“Do not rent out your conscience for money, drugs, political patronage or online applause. Your future is worth more than any politician’s temporary convenience,” he said.

The SGF also called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the media and families to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence and responsible conduct as the nation moves toward another election cycle.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance, interfaith harmony and peaceful engagement with the international community, insisting that despite existing challenges, the country’s democratic institutions remain strong and resilient.

He applauded members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation and sustaining democratic rule.

He urged Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of June 12 heroes by working towards a nation where elections are peaceful, leaders are accountable, communities are secure and every citizen can live with dignity.

The post FG Won’t Surrender to Terrorists, Bandits, Tinubu Assures Nigerians appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made this known in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore.

Aregbesola while congratulating Nigerians on the occasion, urged citizens to support the present administration in its efforts at ensuring a United and prosperous Nation.

The Minister stated that “any form of agitation that threatens the unity of the country should be shunned for the good of all.”

He stressed that Nigeria would be a haven of peace, unity, and progress if all citizens love their neighbours and embrace the spirit of brotherliness.

The Minister said, “As we mark another Democracy Day in the history of our dear country, let us reflect on the efforts of our founding fathers and ensure that Nigeria remains one United and Indivisible Entity. No development can take place in an acrimonious environment.

“With the challenges we face in Nigeria today, I see an opportunity for us not to break up or break down but to break open; open up to ourselves in truth so that we may appreciate each other, understand each other, honour each other and live together in peace and prosperity.

“There will surely be light at the end of the tunnel.”

The post FG Declares June 14 Public Holiday appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.