Why I Declined Tinubu’s National Honour on Democracy Day – Ex‑NADECO Activist Ralph Obioha

ENUGU — Chief Ralph Obioha, a former National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) activist and pro‑democracy advocate, declined the national honour presented to him by President Bola Tinubu during the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations. He cited the ongoing detention of Nnamdi Kanu and the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria as reasons for his decision.

In a statement released on Monday, Obioha thanked President Tinubu and the Federal Government for the recognition but said accepting the award would contradict the democratic principles that guided the struggle against military rule.

The former lawmaker, who served in the National Assembly from 1979 to 1983, explained that he joined other pro‑democracy activists in the June 12 movement because they believed in a Nigeria founded on justice, freedom, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights.

He emphasized that freedom of expression was a core ideal of the democracy movement, arguing that criticism of government and dissenting views should not be perceived as threats to democratic governance.

Obioha said he could not accept the honour while Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains in detention. He maintained that the situation raises broader concerns about justice, due process, and constitutional rights.

He urged President Tinubu to pursue a resolution that would promote national reconciliation, healing, and respect for democratic values.

The advocate also expressed concern over the country’s security challenges, noting that terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes continue to claim lives and displace communities across Nigeria.

He said many citizens remain anxious about their safety and urged government authorities to take more decisive steps to protect lives and property.

Obioha stressed that his decision to reject the national honour should not be interpreted as a personal attack on the President or a rejection of the institution of national honours. Rather, he said, it was a principled stance rooted in the ideals of the June 12 struggle and the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the quest for democracy.

“To accept this honour at a time when many of the values for which we fought remain insufficiently realized would, in my view, be inconsistent with those convictions,” he stated.

He reaffirmed his commitment to democracy, justice, national unity, freedom of expression, and the advancement of a Nigeria where citizens enjoy equal protection under the law and live in peace, dignity, and security.

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