The organisation maintained that a democracy in which women are unable to participate freely cannot be considered fully inclusive.
The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) has urged political leaders and institutions in Nigeria to recommit themselves to the ideals of democracy, accountability and good governance, saying the struggle that began with the June 12, 1993 presidential election remains unfinished.
The group made the call in a statement issued on Thursday to commemorate Democracy Day, noting that while Nigeria has sustained civilian rule since 1999, many citizens are yet to experience the full benefits of democratic governance.
In the statement titled “June 12 at 33: The Struggle for Democracy Must Continue,” CAIDOV described the June 12, 1993 election as the freest, fairest and most credible poll in Nigeria's history, saying it reflected the collective desire of Nigerians for democratic governance, national unity and accountable leadership.
The organisation recalled that the election, widely believed to have been won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, was annulled by the military government, a development that triggered nationwide pro-democracy agitations.
