June 12: Ex-Edo ADC Governorship Candidate Izedonmwen Advocates Deeper Democratic Culture, Condemns Neo-patrimonialism, Insecurity
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 use this year’s June 12 Democracy Day to renew their commitment to a deeper democratic culture rooted in justice, inclusion, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
In a statement 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 return of democratic governance.
He said democracy must not begin and end with general elections, but must be practiced within political parties, communities and public institutions.
According to him, true democracy must be reflected in the election of party leaders, the selection of candidates, policy formulation and the distribution of power within political organisations.
“Democracy does not start and stop with elective offices. It must begin from the organic levels of political life. It must be seen in how party leaders emerge, how candidates are chosen, how policies are formed, and how ordinary members are given a real voice,” he said.
Izedonmwen warned that Nigeria’s democratic development would remain weak if political parties continue to operate as private estates controlled by godfathers and narrow interests.
The former governorship candidate condemned the growing culture of imposition, patron-client politics and the stifling of grassroots aspirants, saying such practices deny citizens meaningful choices and weaken public trust in the democratic process.
He also cautioned against the use of state power, inducement, or pressure to weaken opposition parties through defections and orchestrated factionalization ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said true democracy must promote inclusion, dialogue, tolerance, peaceful competition and respect for dissenting views.
Izedonmwen said: “It is not democracy when a few powerful men decide who may contest, who may speak, and what policies may survive. Nigeria must rethink how power is won, held and distributed."
The former ADC governorship candidate also expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity in the country, particularly the recent abductions of school children and teachers.
He said democracy cannot flourish where citizens live in fear and where children cannot learn safely.
“Every child deserves a safe learning environment, and every teacher deserves protection while carrying out the noble duty of educating the next generation,” he said.
Izedonmwen called on the federal and state governments, security agencies and community stakeholders to work with urgency, coordination and seriousness to protect schools, rescue abducted victims and restore confidence in public safety.
He urged Nigerians not to lose faith in democracy, but to insist on a better and more accountable version of it, adding:
“Let une 12 inspire us to build a new democratic culture in Nigeria; one where power serves the people, parties belong to their members, leaders are accountable, schools are safe, and 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."
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