President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening democracy, improving security and driving economic reforms, declaring that Nigeria’s current generation must secure prosperity just as previous generations secured independence and democracy.
In his Democracy Day address on Friday, June 12, 2026, Tinubu said Nigeria had enjoyed 27 uninterrupted years of civilian rule since 1999, describing it as the country’s longest period of democratic governance.
The President urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political parties to ensure peaceful and credible governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, stressing that public confidence in the electoral process remains essential to democratic stability.
Addressing young Nigerians, Tinubu encouraged them to build their future in the country, urging them to contribute through innovation, work and active political participation.
On security, the President acknowledged concerns over the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states but expressed confidence in their safe return. He said his administration had declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers alongside thousands of military personnel to strengthen national security.
Tinubu disclosed that the 2026 budget allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security, the highest in the nation’s history. He highlighted recent military successes, including the destruction of an ISWAP command centre in Arege, Borno State, and claimed that terror-related deaths had declined by 81 per cent since 2015.
According to him, more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised in the past year, while over 124,000 fighters and their dependants surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023.
The President warned bandits, kidnappers and terror sponsors to surrender or face the full force of the law, adding that the government would show no mercy to those responsible for violence against Nigerians.
Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Tinubu paid tribute to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other pro-democracy activists who fought against military rule. He honoured several notable figures, including Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo and Chima Ubani.
He said the greatest tribute to the heroes of democracy would be the creation of a Nigeria where justice, freedom, opportunity and accountability thrive.
The President defended his administration’s economic reforms, arguing that they were necessary to restore fiscal stability and investor confidence. He said federation revenues had increased, fiscal transparency had improved and investments were rising across key sectors, including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining and transportation.
Tinubu also highlighted progress in the energy sector, noting increased domestic refining capacity and reforms aimed at addressing long-standing challenges in electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
He said the Electricity Act had empowered states to generate, transmit and distribute power, while a presidential task force had been authorised to raise N4 trillion to settle verified legacy debts in the power sector and tackle the country’s metering deficit.
The President further cited infrastructure development, agricultural mechanisation programmes and a 21 per cent growth in non-oil exports as evidence of economic progress, while acknowledging that many Nigerians continue to face hardship.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s support for financial autonomy for the nation’s 774 local government councils, arguing that weak grassroots governance had contributed to insecurity and underdevelopment.
As part of activities marking Democracy Day, the President announced the renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies, 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 unveiled a list of pro-democracy activists, journalists, lawyers and military officers who will receive national honours for their roles in the struggle for democratic governance.
Concluding his address, Tinubu called for unity and renewed faith in the country, insisting that Nigeria’s diversity remains a strength rather than a weakness.
“The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom,” the President said, urging Nigerians to work together to build a prosperous and inclusive nation.