Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Security, Economic Reforms, Democratic Growth on Democracy Day

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening democracy, improving security, and delivering economic prosperity to Nigerians as the country marked the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.

In his nationwide address on June 12, President Tinubu described Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule as a testament to the resilience of the nation’s democratic institutions and the determination of Nigerians to resolve political differences through constitutional means.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and political parties to ensure that the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states are peaceful, transparent, and credible.

The President also called on the National Assembly, Judiciary, media, and civil society organisations to continue playing their vital roles in safeguarding democracy.

Addressing the nation’s youth, Tinubu encouraged them to remain committed to building Nigeria through innovation, entrepreneurship, civic participation, and active involvement in the democratic process.

On security, the President expressed concern over the recent abduction of children in Oyo and Borno states but assured Nigerians that his administration remains determined to restore peace across the country.

He disclosed that the Federal Government had declared a security emergency, approved the recruitment of over 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel, and allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget.

According to him, Nigeria’s security forces have recorded significant successes in the fight against terrorism, including the degradation of an ISWAP command centre in Arege, Borno State. He noted that terror-related deaths have dropped by 81 percent since 2015, while more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised within the past year.

The President warned bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terrorism to surrender or face the full weight of the law, stressing that the government would show no mercy to those threatening national security.

Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Tinubu paid tribute to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, and other pro-democracy activists whose sacrifices paved the way for Nigeria’s democratic journey.

He emphasised that while the June 12 struggle secured political freedom, the current generation must focus on achieving economic freedom by creating opportunities, improving living standards, and ensuring inclusive growth.

The President defended his administration’s economic reforms, saying they were necessary to stabilise the economy, improve fiscal transparency, increase government revenues, and attract investments across key sectors.

Tinubu highlighted improvements in domestic refining capacity, infrastructure development, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and non-oil exports, which he said grew by 21 percent in the past year.

On the power sector, he pointed to the implementation of the Electricity Act, efforts to reduce the metering deficit, and ongoing investments in rural electrification aimed at expanding access to electricity nationwide.

The President also reiterated his administration’s support for local government autonomy, describing effective grassroots governance as essential to national development and security.

As part of the Democracy Day celebrations, Tinubu announced the revitalisation and 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 unveiled a list of pro-democracy activists, journalists, politicians, professionals, and military officers who will receive national honours for their contributions to the struggle for democracy.

Concluding his address, the President called on Nigerians to reject division and embrace unity, hope, and patriotism, expressing confidence that the nation would overcome its challenges and achieve lasting prosperity.

“June 12 reminds us that Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” Tinubu said.

He urged citizens to renew their commitment to democratic values and nation-building, while praying for continued peace, progress, and unity in the country.