The Chairman of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), Plangji Daniel Cishak, has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the 2026 Democracy Day, urging citizens and leaders alike to embrace unity, equity, and fairness as pillars for sustaining the country’s democratic journey.
In a statement issued on Friday to commemorate 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria, Cishak described Democracy Day as a significant milestone that belongs to every Nigerian who fought for freedom, justice, and the right of citizens to choose their leaders.
He paid tribute to individuals who made sacrifices, including those who lost their lives in the struggle for democracy, stressing that their courage and commitment should never be forgotten.
According to the PLASIEC Chairman, democracy goes beyond the conduct of elections and encompasses good governance, representation, free speech, equal rights, and citizen participation in holding leaders accountable.
Cishak noted that governments, political parties, civil society organizations, the media, and citizens all have crucial roles to play in strengthening and preserving democratic values.
Reaffirming PLASIEC’s commitment to credible local government elections in Plateau State, he said the commission would continue to uphold the rule of law, promote transparency, and encourage greater public participation in the electoral process.
He added that the commission’s achievements over the past two years have been driven by collaboration with key stakeholders, a partnership he said would be sustained to boost public confidence in elections.
The electoral umpire also called on leaders at all levels to prioritize infrastructure development, security, affordable healthcare, youth empowerment, and the inclusion of women and persons with disabilities in governance, describing these as critical factors for national development and democratic consolidation.
Cishak further urged Nigerians to reject violence, division, and hatred, and instead embrace dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, noting that lasting peace can only thrive where mutual respect and collective responsibility exist.
He also encouraged eligible citizens who have not registered to vote or obtained their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across all local government areas.
He wished Nigerians a happy Democracy Day and expressed optimism about the nation’s democratic future.
