President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their faith in the country and its democratic institutions, urging citizens to hold leaders accountable while maintaining confidence in the nation’s future.
In his 2026 Democracy Day address on Friday, the President said democracy had remained resilient for 27 uninterrupted years and appealed to key democratic institutions and citizens not to lose hope in Nigeria despite prevailing challenges.
Addressing the nation, Tinubu said, “To our National Assembly, Judiciary, the Press, and Civil Society: you are the guardrails of our republic. Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria.”
The President described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting that since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Nigerians had consistently chosen their leaders through the ballot box and resolved political disagreements through constitutional means.
“Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it,” he said.
Tinubu urged electoral stakeholders to ensure peaceful and credible governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, warning that democracy suffers when citizens lose confidence in the electoral process.
The President also appealed to young Nigerians to remain committed to building the nation, encouraging them to contribute their talents and skills at home rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.
“Nigeria is your home and your future. 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,” he said.
On security, Tinubu acknowledged the pain caused by the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states, describing the incidents as a reminder that democracy cannot thrive without security.
“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is not solid enough,” he stated.
The President disclosed that his administration had declared a security emergency, recruited over 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel, while committing N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget.
Highlighting the government’s counter-terrorism efforts, Tinubu said security forces had intensified operations against insurgents and criminal elements.
“In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre. Terror-related deaths are down by 81 per cent since 2015. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year,” he said.
He, however, maintained that opportunities for rehabilitation remained available for repentant fighters, noting that more than 124,000 combatants and their dependants had surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023.
Issuing a stern warning to criminal groups, Tinubu declared: “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.”
The President also reflected on the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists and national heroes who fought for the restoration of democratic governance.
He paid tribute to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya and several other democracy advocates who endured persecution, imprisonment and exile.
According to him, “The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable.”
Tinubu further defended the economic reforms introduced by his administration, saying they were necessary to rescue the country from fiscal instability and restore investor confidence.
“The reforms we are undertaking were not chosen for ease, but for necessity,” he said, adding that government revenues had improved, investments were increasing across major sectors, and domestic refining capacity had expanded.
While acknowledging the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians, the President promised continued efforts to reduce inflation, create jobs and improve living standards.
“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. We believe that democracy must be felt in the pocket,” he said.
As part of activities marking the anniversary, 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 approved national honours for dozens of pro-democracy activists, journalists, politicians and military officers who played significant roles in the June 12 struggle, saying the full honours list would be released in the coming days.
Concluding his address, the President urged Nigerians to reject division and remain united in pursuit of national progress.
“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.
He added: “Let us renew our covenant: that the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this land.”