President honours democracy heroes, calls for credible elections and stronger institutions on Democracy Day
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to defend the country’s democratic institutions, remain committed to national unity, and actively participate in nation-building as the country marked Democracy Day 2026.
In a nationwide broadcast commemorating June 12, the President reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey, describing the nation’s 27 consecutive years of civilian rule as its longest and most enduring democratic experience since independence.
“Today, we celebrate democracy and the enduring Nigerian spirit,” Tinubu said, noting that since 1999 Nigerians have continued to choose their leaders through the ballot box, resolve political disputes through constitutional institutions, and sustain peaceful transfers of power.
Tribute to June 12 Heroes
The President paid tribute to the men and women who sacrificed for Nigeria’s democratic restoration, particularly those associated with the June 12, 1993 presidential election widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the country’s history.
Tinubu honoured several pro-democracy activists and national figures, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices helped secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
The June 12 anniversary commemorates the annulled 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief MKO Abiola, a date officially adopted as Nigeria’s Democracy Day in 2018.
Call for Credible Elections
With governorship elections approaching in Ekiti and Osun States, the President urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, and voters to ensure peaceful and credible polls.
“In the coming days, Ekiti and Osun States will hold elections. I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible,” Tinubu said. “Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process.”
The President stressed that confidence in electoral processes remains essential to the survival and legitimacy of democratic governance.
Defending Democratic Institutions
Tinubu also used the occasion to reaffirm the importance of democratic institutions, including the National Assembly, judiciary, media, and civil society organisations.
Addressing critics and political opponents, he argued that disagreement and debate are necessary ingredients of democracy.
“Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria,” the President declared.
The remarks were widely interpreted as a call for constructive political engagement amid increasing national debate over governance, economic reforms, and security challenges.
Message to Nigerian Youths
The President devoted part of his address to Nigeria’s youth population, encouraging them to remain hopeful about the country’s future despite prevailing economic and social challenges.
He urged young Nigerians to invest their talents, creativity, and energy in building the nation rather than abandoning it, emphasizing that the country’s future rests largely in their hands.
Democracy and National Development
Tinubu linked democratic governance to economic progress, institutional stability, and national development, arguing that democratic continuity remains one of Nigeria’s greatest achievements.
His address comes at a time when the administration is implementing far-reaching economic reforms while confronting security challenges across several regions of the country.
The President’s Democracy Day message sought to balance reflection on Nigeria’s democratic gains with a renewed appeal for unity, tolerance, and civic responsibility.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria prepares for another cycle of off-season elections and continues debates over constitutional reforms, including the proposed establishment of state police, Tinubu urged citizens to remain committed to democratic principles and constitutional governance.
“Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it,” the President said.
The 2026 Democracy Day celebration marks another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that shaped the country’s return to civilian rule.