President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to remain united and committed to strengthening democratic institutions as the country marks the 2026 Democracy Day celebration. In a nationwide address to commemorate June 12, the President said Nigeria has recorded twenty-seven years of uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999, describing it as the longest period of civilian governance in the nation’s history. According to him, “Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it.” President Tinubu urged stakeholders to ensure peaceful and credible governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, stressing that public confidence in the electoral process remains vital to democratic growth. He said, “Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process.” The President also charged the National Assembly, the Judiciary, the media and civil society groups to continue safeguarding the country’s democratic values. He stated, “Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria.” Addressing Nigerian youths, President Tinubu encouraged them to contribute to nation-building and actively participate in the democratic process. He said, “Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here.” The President commended members of the armed forces, police and intelligence agencies for their sacrifices in protecting the country, while also appreciating traditional rulers, religious leaders and community heads for promoting peace and reconciliation. President Tinubu acknowledged the concerns surrounding the abduction of children in Oyo and Borno states but expressed optimism over their safe return. He maintained that security remains a top priority of his administration and disclosed that more than fifty thousand police officers and thousands of military recruits have been approved to strengthen the nation’s security architecture. According to him, the 2026 budget allocates five point four one trillion naira to defence and security, the highest in the country’s history. President Tinubu disclosed that security operations had recorded significant
successes, noting that terror-related deaths have declined by eighty-one per cent since 2015, while over thirteen thousand terrorists were neutralised in the past year. He warned criminals and sponsors of terrorism to surrender or face decisive action. In his words, “Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever.” The President called on Nigerians not to politicise insecurity, saying, “Crime has no ethnicity,” and expressed confidence that the country would overcome terrorism. Reflecting on the significance of June 12, President Tinubu paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and other heroes of democracy whose sacrifices paved the way for the freedoms enjoyed today. He said the greatest tribute to the nation’s democratic heroes is to build “a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable.” President Tinubu noted that while the heroes of June 12 secured political freedom, the current generation must secure economic freedom and ensure democracy translates into improved living conditions for citizens. He said, “Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives.” Highlighting the achievements of his administration, the President said reforms introduced since 2023 had restored confidence in the economy, increased federation revenues and attracted investments in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation and the creative sector. He also said domestic refining capacity had improved, while measures were being implemented to address challenges in the power sector. President Tinubu explained that the Electricity Act signed into law empowers states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity, adding that efforts are ongoing to bridge the metering gap and expand access to power. He said government remains focused on tackling inflation, boosting food production, creating jobs and improving the living standards of Nigerians. According to him, “We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community, and every region.” President Tinubu further stated that his administration was pursuing financial autonomy for the seven hundred and seventy-four local government councils to strengthen governance at the grassroots. He stressed that the Renewed Hope Agenda is aimed at ensuring all Nigerians benefit from governance. The President announced the approval for the revitalisation and renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna after the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development. He also announced national honours for several pro-democracy activists and members of the armed forces who played key roles during the June 12 struggle, noting that the full honours list would be released in the coming days. President Tinubu expressed confidence in Nigeria’s future despite prevailing challenges. He said, “June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break.” The President urged citizens to renew their commitment to national unity and democratic values, saying, “The labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain.”
