June 12: Gani Adams, Falana, Others Call for True Federalism, New Constitution
As Nigeria marked another June 12 Democracy Day, prominent figures across the country gathered in Lagos for the 25th OPC June 12 Lecture, calling for true federalism, restructuring, and the replacement of the 1999 constitution to drive real development and national integration.
Speaking at the event, Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland and National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams, said Nigeria can no longer afford to delay restructuring. He warned that failure to address the national question through true federalism would continue to deepen insecurity, economic hardship, and disunity.
“We are here not only to honour MKO Abiola and the martyrs of June 12,” Adams said, “but also to confront the bitter truth—Nigeria cannot progress without true federalism.”
🇳🇬 “Restructure or Remain in Crisis”
Adams, who also leads the Oodua Progressive Union Worldwide, said the 1993 election was a defining moment for Nigeria, but the gains have been squandered by leadership resistance to restructuring.
“If every region had control over their security and governance systems, kidnappings and violence would drastically reduce,” he added. “June 12 should be the catalyst for political, judicial, and economic reforms.”
⚖️ Falana: 1999 Constitution a Major Obstacle
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Falana, represented by Mr. Wale Adeoye, echoed Adams’ sentiments. He described the 1999 constitution as a “military decree in disguise” that has failed to reflect the democratic will of the Nigerian people.
“You cannot achieve peace, stability, or progress with a constitution drafted without public participation,” he said. “The June 12 movement showed that Nigerians can unite beyond ethnic divisions to defeat a broken system.”
🗳️ “We Need Electoral Integrity and Leadership Legitimacy”
Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, President of Women Arise and the Oluyinka Odumakin Foundation, emphasized that June 12 represents the spirit of electoral integrity, when Nigerians voted freely across tribal and religious lines.
She lamented that today’s electoral processes lack legitimacy, preventing real national progress. She urged President Bola Tinubu to posthumously recognize MKO Abiola as a past president.
“Restructuring does not mean breaking up Nigeria,” she noted. “It means reforming the foundation of governance so the sacrifices of our heroes are not in vain.”
🗣️ Calls from Across Nigeria
Other speakers at the event included:
- Mr. Debo Adeniran, Executive Director of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, who called for June 12 to be renamed MKO Abiola Day, not Democracy Day.
- Chief Sunday Udeh, President-General of the Igbo Speaking Community, said restructuring was long overdue and backed the call for federalism.
- Alhaji Kudu Abubakar, Vice President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, commended Gani Adams and urged Tinubu to stay committed to the ideals of June 12.
✊ Remembering the Struggle
Attendees included rights activists, members of Amotekun, and followers of the late Chief MKO Abiola. The event emphasized that until Nigeria restructures its governance system, the true spirit of June 12 remains unfulfilled.
