We want a ballot not bullet, democracy must reflect people’s will – Akume

…reiterates June 12 lesson, demands credible elections in 2027

George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has called for peaceful, credible and transparent elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, reiterating that Nigeria must choose the ballot, not the bullet in sustaining its democratic journey.

Akume made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during a national press conference held as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day and the third anniversary of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

He said the press briefing formed part of an accountability process within a week dedicated to reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic progress, stressing that June 12 remains a defining moment in the country’s political history.

“The lesson, first of all, is that the voice of the people must always be Supreme. It must be sacrosanct.

“That’s the beauty of democracy. The lesson is so clear. We prefer the ballot to the bullet. If an election is conducted very fairly, there will be no problem.

“June 12 is not merely a date on our calendar; it is a reminder that democracy carries both memory and mandate. It is a memory, because we honour the sacrifice that secured the people’s voice, and it is a mandate, because every democratic government must justify public trust through tangible improvement in the lives of citizens,” he said

The SGF congratulated Nigerians on 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, describing it as a major national achievement and one of the longest democratic stretches in Africa. He commended citizens for their resilience and patriotism in the face of economic and security challenges.

According to him, Nigeria’s democracy has endured because of the commitment of its people, even amid difficulties that he said are part of a journey toward a new dawn.

He noted that the current administration views governance as a continuous work-in-progress, adding that while progress is being made, the government would not claim that all challenges have been fully resolved.

“The message from the government today is straightforward. Nigeria is a huge, viable project and it is a work in progress. The government, though with all hands on deck, would never claim that every challenge has been solved,” Akume said.

Akume also used the platform to emphasize the importance of electoral integrity, warning against a return to violence in the electoral process. He maintained that democracy can only thrive when the will of the people is respected and reflected in outcomes.

He urged political actors, institutions and citizens to commit to peaceful participation in the democratic process ahead of 2027, insisting that credible elections remain central to national stability and development.

“And it’s time we also make a difference. Never again will this happen in this country. You win, you win. You lose go and try again,” he stated

Also speaking, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, described the June 12 presidential election as free and fair.

He maintained that Chief M.K.O. Abiola emerged as the clear winner of the election, adding that he personally witnessed the process as a journalist at the time.

According to him, voters turned out massively on election day, with citizens lining up behind their preferred candidates in an orderly and peaceful manner. He noted that after the votes were cast and counted, the outcome was widely understood, with Abiola clearly leading.

However, he lamented that the election was subsequently annulled by the military, which led to a political crisis in the country.

Onanuga further stated that military rule does not serve the best interests of Nigeria, stressing the importance of democratic governance.

He also urged members of the media to continue reporting truthfully and to project Nigeria in a positive light.