DEMOCRACY PREVAILED: THANK YOU, DEFENDERS OF THE CONSTITUTION—Lauretta Onochie

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The attempt to undermine the constitutional rights of duly registered political parties has sparked a powerful response from Nigerians who believe that democracy must remain bigger than politics, bigger than parties, and bigger than any individual.

Across the nation, voices have risen in defense of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the rule of law, and the sacred principles of multiparty democracy.

Today, we pause to express our profound appreciation to all those who stood firm when it mattered most.

We thank the Justices of the Court of Appeal for their timely intervention in preserving constitutional order and ensuring that due process remains the foundation of our legal system.

We thank the leadership of INEC for remaining guided by the Constitution and the Electoral Act, recognizing that democratic rights cannot be extinguished by arbitrary interpretations or political pressure.

We salute the Nigerian Bar Association, members of the legal profession, constitutional scholars, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and democracy advocates who courageously spoke in defense of the law and reminded the nation that justice must always be anchored on constitutional provisions.

We thank political leaders across party lines who refused to remain silent. In moments such as these, patriotism demands courage, and courage demands speaking truth in defense of democratic values.

We commend those who recognized that this issue was never about one political party. It was about the future of democracy itself.

Today it may be ADC.

Tomorrow it may be another political party.

If constitutional rights can be denied to one party, then no party is truly safe.

If democratic participation can be restricted for some citizens, then democracy is weakened for all citizens.

This is why Nigerians of goodwill rose above partisan considerations and defended the principles that bind our Republic together.

We particularly thank the millions of ordinary Nigerians who spoke out on social media, in town halls, in professional circles, and in communities across the country. Their voices sent a clear message that democracy belongs to the people and that the people will not surrender it.

Nigeria's Constitution guarantees freedom of association.

Nigeria's Constitution guarantees political participation.

Nigeria's Constitution envisions a vibrant multiparty democracy in which citizens are free to organize, compete, and offer alternative visions for national development.

No democracy can thrive where political competition is suppressed.

No democracy can flourish where constitutional guarantees are weakened.

No democracy can survive if citizens become indifferent to injustice.

The overwhelming reaction of Nigerians has demonstrated that our democracy remains alive, that constitutionalism remains relevant, and that the spirit of liberty remains strong.

To every lawyer who defended the law.

To every judge who upheld due process.

To every political leader who spoke out.

To every journalist who reported responsibly.

To every activist who defended democratic freedoms.

To every Nigerian who refused to be silent.

We say thank you.

Thank you for defending the Constitution.

Thank you for defending the rule of law.

Thank you for defending democracy.

And thank you for standing on the right side of history.

Together, we shall continue to defend the democratic rights of all Nigerians and preserve the constitutional foundations upon which our great Republic stands.

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Long Live Constitutional Democracy.

Long Live the African Democratic Congress.

Arise and Shine, Nigeria. 

Lauretta Onochie 

@Laurestar 

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