By Taibat Ummi Yakubu
President Bola Tinubu on Friday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening democracy, improving security, and advancing economic reforms as Nigeria marked the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
In a nationwide address commemorating June 12, Tinubu described Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance as a remarkable achievement, noting that citizens have consistently exercised their right to choose leaders through elections while resolving political disputes through democratic institutions.
He urged stakeholders ahead of the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states to ensure credible and peaceful polls, stressing that public confidence in the electoral process remains essential to democratic stability.
The President called on the National Assembly, judiciary, media and civil society groups to continue playing their roles in safeguarding democratic values, adding that constructive criticism remains vital to national development.
Addressing Nigerian youths, Tinubu encouraged them to actively participate in nation-building by investing their talents and energies in the country’s future.
He also commended members of the armed forces, police, intelligence agencies, traditional institutions and religious leaders for their contributions to peace, security and national cohesion.
Reflecting on the significance of Democracy Day, the President paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12 struggle and other pro-democracy activists who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile and even death in pursuit of democratic governance.
Tinubu acknowledged concerns arising from the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states but assured Nigerians that the government remained committed to restoring security across the country.
According to him, the administration has intensified efforts to combat terrorism and criminality through expanded recruitment into the police and military, as well as increased investment in security infrastructure.
He disclosed that the 2026 budget allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security, describing it as the largest security investment in the nation’s history.
The President stated that military operations had significantly weakened terrorist networks, citing the destruction of an ISWAP command centre in Borno State and a substantial reduction in terror-related fatalities.
He added that more than 124,000 insurgents and their dependants had surrendered under the Operation Safe Corridor programme since 2023.
Tinubu warned terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements to either embrace peace or face decisive action from security agencies.
He emphasised that insecurity should not be viewed through ethnic or regional lenses, urging Nigerians to unite against common threats to national stability.
The President also honoured notable figures of the June 12 movement, including the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi and several others whose sacrifices helped secure democratic freedoms.
On the economy, Tinubu said his administration’s reforms were designed to address longstanding fiscal challenges and create a more resilient economy.
He noted that government revenues had improved, fiscal leakages reduced and investor confidence strengthened across key sectors, including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, mining, technology and transportation.
The President further highlighted progress in the petroleum sector, saying increased domestic refining capacity had enhanced energy security while reducing dependence on imported fuel products.
Speaking on electricity, Tinubu said reforms initiated through the Electricity Act had empowered states to participate in power generation, transmission and distribution.
He revealed that efforts were underway to bridge the metering gap and resolve longstanding debts within the power sector, while rural electrification projects continued to expand access to electricity in underserved communities.
The President said infrastructure development and agricultural initiatives were creating opportunities for economic growth, citing plans to deploy 10,000 tractors nationwide over five years and support export-oriented small and medium-scale enterprises.
Despite the progress recorded, Tinubu acknowledged the economic difficulties still facing many Nigerians and pledged to intensify efforts to reduce inflation, boost food production, create jobs and improve living standards.
He reiterated that the next phase of governance would focus on translating economic gains into tangible benefits for citizens across all regions of the country.
The President also renewed his administration’s push for local government autonomy, arguing that effective grassroots governance is critical to tackling insecurity and delivering development at the community level.
According to him, while Nigeria’s founding generation secured independence and the June 12 generation fought for democracy, the present generation must focus on achieving economic prosperity.
As part of the Democracy Day celebrations, Tinubu announced the renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna after the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.
He also approved national honours for dozens of pro-democracy activists, journalists, lawyers, politicians and military officers who played significant roles during the struggle for democratic rule.
The President said the complete honours list would be released in the coming days.
Concluding his address, Tinubu expressed confidence in Nigeria’s future, urging citizens to embrace unity, hope and collective responsibility in building a stronger nation.
He maintained that despite challenges, Nigerians have consistently demonstrated resilience and determination, adding that the country’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths.
“June 12 reminds us that Nigerians do not break. We may bend, and we may bleed, but we remain united in our resolve to build a better nation,” he said.
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