Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has described June 12 as a symbol of courage, resilience and democratic conviction anchored on the legacy of the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, whom he called the conscience of the Nigerian nation.
Oshiomhole, who spoke on Friday in Akure during the 2026 June 12 Democracy Day celebration; themed “June 12 and Beyond; Reflecting on the progress of democracy and security concerns,” organised by the Ondo State Government said the Abiola’s refusal to abandon his mandate under military pressure from General Ibrahim Babangida and later General Sani Abacha made him a global symbol of democratic struggle and sacrifice.
Oshiomhole recalled his role as Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) during negotiations with the military regime, acknowledging Oba Olu Falae’s role in labour-government engagements.
He recounted Abiola’s detention and insisted that he had been duly elected President and would not renounce his mandate.
He said: “If he did not possess those qualities, Abiola would have disappeared and become just another Nigerian recalling how his mandate was stolen. He stood firm for democracy and Nigeria.”
