President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening democracy, enhancing security, and driving economic growth as Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
In his Democracy Day address on June 12, 2026, the President described Nigeria’s democratic journey as a testament to the resilience and determination of its people, noting that despite challenges, democracy remains the nation’s most enduring achievement since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
Tinubu urged stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, the judiciary, the media, and civil society groups, to safeguard democratic values and ensure peaceful, credible elections in upcoming polls in Ekiti and Osun States.
Addressing Nigerian youths, the President encouraged them to build their future in Nigeria by embracing innovation, entrepreneurship, and active participation in the democratic process.
On security, Tinubu expressed concern over the recent abductions of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno States but assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to securing lives and property. He highlighted the recruitment of over 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel, alongside a record N5.41 trillion allocation to defence and security in the 2026 budget.
The President disclosed that military operations had significantly weakened terrorist groups, including the destruction of an ISWAP command centre in Borno State. According to him, terror-related deaths have declined by 81 percent since 2015, while more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised in the past year. He also noted that over 124,000 insurgents and their dependents have surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023.
Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Tinubu paid tribute to Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, and other pro-democracy heroes whose sacrifices paved the way for the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
The President said the next challenge before the nation is achieving economic freedom, stressing that democracy must translate into improved living standards, jobs, opportunities, and prosperity for citizens.
He defended his administration’s economic reforms, saying they were necessary to stabilise public finances, restore investor confidence, and create a foundation for sustainable growth. Tinubu pointed to increased federation revenues, improved fiscal transparency, growth in non-oil exports, expanded domestic refining capacity, and rising investments across key sectors as evidence of progress.
On power sector reforms, he highlighted the implementation of the Electricity Act, efforts to bridge the metering gap, investments in rural electrification, and plans to address legacy debts within the sector.
The President also underscored the importance of local government autonomy, describing grassroots governance as critical to national development and security.
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 statesman.
He further announced national honours for dozens of pro-democracy activists, journalists, politicians, professionals, and military officers who played significant roles in the June 12 struggle and the defence of democratic governance.
Concluding his address, Tinubu urged Nigerians to reject division and embrace unity, optimism, and collective responsibility, stressing that the nation’s diversity remains its greatest strength.
“June 12 reminds us that Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” the President declared, while renewing his pledge to build a nation where justice, freedom, security, and opportunity are accessible to all.
He wished Nigerians a happy Democracy Day and prayed for continued peace, progress, and prosperity for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
