The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has urged leaders at all levels to deliver on the promises of democracy through improved security, economic prosperity, accountability and protection of citizens’ rights.

The Centre insisted that Nigerians deserve more tangible benefits from 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule.

In a statement to commemorate Democracy Day, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of WSCIJ, Motunrayo Alaka, said June 12 remains a defining symbol of Nigeria’s democratic struggle and the sacrifices made by citizens in defence of democratic governance.

According to WSCIJ, while the country’s uninterrupted democratic journey since 1999 is worthy of recognition, democracy should ultimately be judged by its ability to guarantee security, justice, welfare and dignity for all citizens.

The Centre noted that many Nigerians continue to grapple with rising insecurity, deepening poverty, economic hardship, shrinking civic freedoms and declining trust in public institutions.

MEANWHILE, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has described Democracy Day as a reminder that government must remain accountable to the people.

Oyebamiji, in a statement, yesterday, to commemorate the June 12 Democracy Day, paid tribute to the heroes of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, particularly the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, whose sacrifice, he noted, became the foundation of the country’s democratic rebirth, noting that if voted into power as governor of the state, his administration would not indulge in any “hide and seek” game with Osun State people.

HOWEVER, ActionAid Nigeria has raised concern that eight years after declaring June 12 as Democracy Day, the promise embodied in the declaration remains largely unfulfilled, citing shrinking civic space, electoral concerns, worsening poverty and others.

He also acknowledged the contributions of progressive leaders across the country, including the late former Attorney-General of the Federation and former Governor of old Oyo State, Bola Ige, whose commitment to justice, good governance and democratic ideals continues to inspire generations.

According to AMBO, progressive administrations in Osun State laid the foundation for sustainable development through strategic investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and social welfare programmes.

He, however, expressed concern that the developmental momentum built over the years had slowed down under the current administration.

In a statement yesterday, to mark the 2026 Democracy Day, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, said the 2018 decision by the late President Muhammadu Buhari to recognise June 12 and the mandate of the late Abiola was meant to affirm that the will of Nigerians would remain the foundation of governance.

He said that, unfortunately, eight years after the declaration and 33 years after the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, developments in the country show that the promise of democratic restoration is under threat.

Mamedu expressed concern over what he described as increasing restrictions on civic freedoms, noting that the National Human Rights Commission received 266,787 human rights complaints in April 2026 alone, including allegations of extra-judicial killings, abuse of authority and restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

ActionAid called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act 2026 through a transparent process, end the use of security agencies and the Cybercrimes Act to suppress dissent, tackle insecurity through rights-based approaches, strengthen social protection programmes and reform fiscal governance structures.