By President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and tackling insecurity, declaring that the country has recorded significant progress in both democratic governance and the fight against terrorism.
In his Democracy Day address on Friday, June 12, 2026, the President said Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule remain a testament to the resilience of its democratic institutions and the determination of citizens to resolve political differences through constitutional means.
Tinubu described June 12 as a defining moment in the nation’s history, noting that the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists, journalists, labour leaders, students, politicians and ordinary citizens helped secure the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
”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” he said.
The President called on institutions responsible for safeguarding democracy, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, the judiciary, the legislature, the media and civil society groups, to continue protecting the country’s democratic values.
Addressing young Nigerians, the President encouraged them to actively participate in nation-building rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere. He urged youths to contribute their skills and ideas to solving national challenges and strengthening democratic participation through voting and civic engagement.
”To our young people: 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” the president noted.
The President also paid tribute to members of the armed forces, police and intelligence agencies for their roles in maintaining national security, while acknowledging the contributions of traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders in promoting peace and reconciliation across the country.
Despite celebrating democratic success, Tinubu acknowledged that the country continues to face serious security challenges, particularly the recent abductions reported in Oyo and Borno states. He described insecurity as a direct threat to democratic development and pledged that his administration would intensify efforts to protect citizens.
”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 said.
According to him, the Federal Government has declared a security emergency, approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel, while allocating N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget.
The President said ongoing military operations have weakened terrorist networks, citing the destruction of an ISWAP command centre in Borno State and a significant reduction in terror-related fatalities over recent years. He added that thousands of terrorists had been neutralised while many others surrendered through the government’s deradicalisation programme.
Tinubu warned bandits, kidnappers and terror sponsors to abandon criminal activities or face decisive action from the state, insisting that government would not relent in its efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.
”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” he warned.
The President further appealed for national unity, urging Nigerians not to politicise insecurity or attach ethnic identities to criminal activities. He maintained that collective action and cooperation remain critical to defeating terrorism and other security threats.
Reflecting on the importance of June 12, Tinubu honoured the memory of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and other prominent figures of the pro-democracy struggle whose sacrifices, he said, laid the foundation for Nigeria’s present democratic order.
He called on Nigerians to preserve the ideals of justice, freedom, accountability and national unity championed by the heroes of democracy, saying their legacy must continue to guide the country’s development.
