Defend Nigeria’s democracy despite flaws, Tinubu tells citizens
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to continue to defend the country’s democracy despite its flaws. In his Democracy Day Address to Nigerians, Tinubu said since May 29, 1999, Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot, witnessed peaceful transitions of power, and resolved disagreements in courtrooms and legislative chambers—not through violence. “Our […]
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to continue to defend the country’s democracy despite its flaws.
In his Democracy Day Address to Nigerians, Tinubu said since May 29, 1999, Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot, witnessed peaceful transitions of power, and resolved disagreements in courtrooms and legislative chambers—not through violence.
“Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it,” he said.
President Tinubu also called on Nigerians, especially the young ones, to stay at home and develop the country, saying, “Nigeria is your home and your future.
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“Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship.
“To our armed forces, police, and intelligence services: Nigeria salutes your sacrifice. To our traditional rulers, faith leaders, and community heads: thank you for your support of peace and reconciliation. The government cannot do it alone.”
He said the June 12 commemoration is an opportunity to honour the resilience of Nigerians who refused to surrender their faith in freedom, and the courage of those who stood firm against intimidation.
“We pay tribute to patriots who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even death so that future generations could enjoy democracy.
“I salute labour leaders, journalists, activists, students, women, professionals, political leaders, and soldiers—both those who have passed and those still with us—for their patriotic contributions.”
President Tinubu renamed the Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.”
He also announced National awards for those who “suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today.”
The President said the full honours list will be released in the next few days.
The President said this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of school children and teachers in Oyo and Borno.
“We remain hopeful for their safe return,” he said.
“Democracy without security is a mirage. That is why this administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits. Our 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion—our largest ever—to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people.
“We have moved from training with our allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting. Terror-related deaths are down by 81% since 2015. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year. But we also keep the door of surrender open. Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor,” he added.
“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.
“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” Tinubu said.
Bauchi gov urges Nigerians to renew commitment to democracy
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to democracy, unity and peaceful coexistence as the country marks the 2026 Democracy Day. In a message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the Bauchi State governor urged citizens to work collectively with government at all levels to build a more prosperous and secure nation.
He said Nigeria’s democratic journey should continue to be guided by the values of tolerance, justice, accountability and mutual respect among citizens, regardless of political or ethnic differences.
Governor Mohammed stressed that national development can only be achieved when leaders and citizens remain committed to peace, stability and inclusive governance.
He also appealed to residents to remain law-abiding and support ongoing efforts to strengthen security across the country by providing timely and credible information to relevant authorities.
Democracy remains pathway to sustainable devt – Gombe gov
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has said democracy remains the most reliable pathway to sustainable development, noting that ongoing transformation in the state reflects the gains of democratic governance driven by vision, accountability and people-centred leadership.
In a message to mark the 2026 Democracy Day, the governor said the progress recorded in Gombe over the years demonstrates the impact of uninterrupted civilian rule and responsible leadership.
He said key achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and industrialisation were made possible through deliberate policies, institutional stability and citizens’ participation in governance.
Protect our hard-earned freedom — APC chair
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerians to protect the country’s hard-earned democracy and support ongoing reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Yilwatda, in a statement by his spokesperson, Abimbola Tooki, described June 12 as a defining moment in the nation’s democratic journey and a reminder of the sacrifices made for justice, electoral integrity and popular sovereignty.
He said Democracy Day is more than a public holiday, but a symbol of resilience and the enduring belief that the people’s voice must prevail in governance.
He said democracy has provided Nigeria with a platform for political participation, accountability, protection of rights and national development.
Yilwatda urged political leaders, civil society, the media, religious bodies and youth groups to promote dialogue, tolerance and respect for the rule of law in order to strengthen democratic institutions.
He also called for sustained support for President Tinubu’s economic and institutional reforms, noting that they are aimed at repositioning the country for growth, stability, job creation and improved investment opportunities.