President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to remain committed to democratic ideals, saying the country’s next major challenge is to translate political freedom into economic prosperity for all citizens.
In his Democracy Day address commemorating 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, Tinubu described Nigeria’s democratic journey as a collective achievement that must be protected and strengthened, despite its imperfections.
He noted that since the return to democratic governance in 1999, Nigerians have consistently elected their leaders, witnessed peaceful transfers of power and resolved political disagreements through democratic institutions rather than violence.
The President urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political parties to ensure that forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states are peaceful, transparent and credible.
“Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process,” he said, while calling on the National Assembly, judiciary, media and civil society organisations to continue safeguarding democratic governance.
Addressing young Nigerians, Tinubu encouraged them to contribute to nation-building through innovation, entrepreneurship, hard work and active participation in the electoral process.
The President also paid tribute to members of the armed forces, police, intelligence agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders for their roles in promoting peace and security across the country.
On insecurity, Tinubu expressed concern over the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states but expressed confidence that the victims would be rescued safely.
He said his administration had intensified security efforts through the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel, supported by a record N5.41 trillion allocation to defence and security in the 2026 budget.
According to him, security forces have achieved significant successes against terrorism, including the destruction of an ISWAP command centre in Arege, Borno State. He added that terror-related deaths had declined significantly since 2015, while more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised in the past year.
The President disclosed that over 124,000 fighters and their dependants had surrendered since 2023 under Operation Safe Corridor, warning bandits, kidnappers and terrorism sponsors to surrender or face decisive action.
“No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he declared.
Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Tinubu paid tribute to the late Chief MKO Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and other pro-democracy figures who sacrificed for the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria.
He said the greatest tribute to democracy heroes would be building a nation where freedom, justice, accountability and equal opportunities are guaranteed for all citizens.
The President defended his administration’s economic reforms, describing them as necessary measures to restore fiscal stability, improve transparency and attract investment.
He said federation revenues had increased, enabling states and local governments to undertake more development projects, while investor confidence had improved in sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation and the creative industry.
Tinubu highlighted progress in the energy sector, including increased domestic refining capacity and reforms aimed at addressing challenges in electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
He also pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects nationwide, the deployment of 10,000 tractors under the National Agricultural Development Fund over five years, and growth in non-oil exports as evidence of economic progress.
While acknowledging the economic difficulties facing many Nigerians, the President assured citizens that his administration remained focused on reducing inflation, creating jobs, improving living standards and sustaining growth.
“Our generation must secure prosperity,” he said, urging Nigerians to embrace unity, reject division and remain hopeful about the country’s future.
As part of the Democracy Day celebrations, Tinubu announced the renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology in honour of the late military officer and democracy advocate.
He also announced national honours for dozens of pro-democracy activists, journalists, lawyers, academics and political figures who played significant roles in Nigeria’s struggle for democratic governance.
The President said the full honours list would be released in the coming days and reaffirmed that Nigeria’s diversity remains a source of strength.
“The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” he said.
