June 12: Izedonmwen Calls For Deeper Democratic Culture, Condemns Neo-patrimonialism And Insecurity

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…Calls for the release of kidnapped Oyo school pupils and teachers

By Tobore Jerome

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in the 2024 Edo State governorship election, Engr. Osarenren Derek Izedonmwen, has called on Nigerians to embrace democracy not merely as an electoral ritual, but as a way of life rooted in justice, inclusion, accountability and respect for the rule of law.

In a statement issued to commemorate this year’s June 12 Democracy Day, Izedonmwen described June 12 as a defining symbol of Nigeria’s democratic struggle and a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by patriots who fought, and in some cases paid the supreme price, for the enthronement of democratic governance.

He said the lesson of June 12 must go beyond the right to vote in national and state elections, stressing that democracy must begin from the organic levels of political life, including party leadership contests, candidate selection, policy formation and the distribution of power within political parties.

According to him, Nigeria’s democratic promise will remain incomplete if political parties continue to function as private estates controlled by a few powerful patrons.

“Democracy does not start and stop with elective offices. It must begin within the party structure itself. It must be seen in how leaders emerge, how candidates are chosen, how policies are formed, and how ordinary members are given a real voice,” he said.

Izedonmwen warned that the country cannot build a truly democratic society on the foundation of godfatherism, imposition and patron-client politics.

“It is not democracy when neo-patrimonial interests hijack the structures of state, and when patrons at the upper echelons of power turn other political actors into clients. It is not democracy when a few party men determine who may contest, who may speak, and what policies may survive,” he stated.

He expressed concern over recent complaints of lack of internal democracy across major political parties, particularly during primaries where grassroots aspirants are often displaced in favour of loyalists of powerful political interests.

He also cautioned against the growing practice of using state power, inducement or pressure to weaken opposition parties through defections ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying such conduct undermines the spirit of democracy and narrows the political choices available to citizens.

Izedonmwen urged political leaders to rethink how power is won, held and distributed in Nigeria, noting that a democratic system must reflect the broad and diverse preferences of society, not the narrow wishes of a few men at the helm.

He said true democracy must promote inclusion, dialogue, tolerance, peaceful competition and respect for dissenting views.

The former ADC governorship candidate also condemned the recent abduction of school pupils and teachers in Oyo State, describing it as a tragic reminder that democracy cannot flourish where citizens live in fear and children cannot learn in safety.

“It is heartbreaking that innocent children and their teachers, whose only mission is the pursuit and transmission of knowledge, continue to face threats from criminal elements. Every child deserves a safe learning environment, and every teacher deserves protection while carrying out their noble duty,” he said.

He called on the federal and state governments, security agencies and community stakeholders to work with urgency and coordination to secure the immediate release of abducted victims, strengthen local intelligence, and ensure that schools remain safe spaces for learning.

While extending solidarity to affected families, Izedonmwen urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the democratic process, but to insist on a better and more accountable version of it.

He said national renewal would only be possible through active citizenship, responsible leadership and a collective commitment to democratic ideals.

“Let June 12 inspire us to build a new democratic culture in Nigeria. A nation where power serves the people, where parties belong to their members, where leaders are accountable, where schools are safe, and where freedom, security, opportunity and justice are guaranteed for all. Democracy must not only be defended; it must be practiced daily as a way of life,” he concluded.