“Democracy Was Not Given to Us, People Fought for It” — Pastor Poju Oyemade

Convener of The Platform, Pastor Poju Oyemade, has reminded Nigerians that the democratic freedoms enjoyed today were not handed over by those in power but were secured through years of sacrifice and struggle by pro-democracy activists.

Speaking during his introductory remarks at the 2026 edition of The Platform held on June 12, Oyemade reflected on the significance of Democracy Day and the events that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history.

According to him, the struggle that emerged after the annulment helped secure the democratic rights and freedoms that Nigerians enjoy today.

The cleric noted that democracy goes beyond the right to vote during elections, stressing that it is built on five fundamental freedoms: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of peaceful assembly, and the right of citizens to petition their government.

He explained that these freedoms empower citizens to participate in political debates, challenge government policies, advocate for marginalized groups, and hold public officials accountable for their actions.

Oyemade stated that the existence of these rights serves as a constant reminder that elected leaders are meant to serve the people and not the other way around.

Highlighting the importance of June 12, he said Nigerians can openly criticize government policies and express their opinions today because individuals in previous generations paid a price to secure those freedoms.

The founder of The Covenant Nation also pushed back against claims that earlier generations failed to fight for Nigeria’s future, arguing that many individuals made enormous sacrifices during the struggle for democracy.

Recalling one such example, he spoke of a successful businessman who became involved in the June 12 movement and was later shot in his home because of his participation in the struggle.

Oyemade warned against distorting history, noting that while mistakes may have been made by some of those who fought for democracy, it would be inaccurate to suggest that previous generations remained silent in the face of oppression.

“Democracy is not a gift that was handed unto us, but something that people struggled for,” he concluded.