By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The generation of June 12 secured democracy for Nigeria, and today’s generation must secure prosperity, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared in his Democracy Day address on Friday, June 12, 2026.
Marking 27 unbroken years of civilian rule since May 29, 1999, Tinubu said Nigeria’s democracy is imperfect but worth defending. “Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it,” he said.
He described June 12 as more than an election, calling it a defining chapter in Nigeria’s story. The President paid tribute to Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and other pro-democracy heroes. “The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom,” Tinubu said.
He stressed that democracy must translate to better lives for citizens: opportunities for youth, prosperity for farmers, success for entrepreneurs, and dignity for workers. “We believe that Democracy must be felt in the pocket,” he added.
Tinubu said his administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of over 50,000 police officers and thousands of military recruits. The 2026 budget allocates N5.41 trillion to defence and security, the largest in Nigeria’s history.
He disclosed that terror-related deaths have dropped 81% since 2015. In the past year, over 13,000 terrorists were neutralised. Troops degraded ISWAP’s command centre in Arege, Borno State. Since 2023, more than 124,000 fighters and dependents have surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor.
“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,” the President warned. He acknowledged that abductions of children in Oyo and Borno have dampened this year’s Democracy Day mood but expressed hope for their safe return.
Reforms restoring stability, power sector overhaul
Since 2023, Tinubu said, economic reforms have restored stability and credibility. Federation revenues are up, fiscal transparency has improved, and investor confidence has returned to agriculture, energy, manufacturing, tech, mining, transport, and the creative industries.
Domestic refining capacity has increased, cutting reliance on imported petroleum products. On power, Tinubu said the Electricity Act now allows states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity. The Presidential Power Sector Task Force is tackling the metering deficit and has been authorised to raise a N4 trillion bond to settle verified legacy debts.
The National Agricultural Development Fund will deploy 10,000 tractors over five years. More than 1,000 SMEs have been certified for export, and non-oil exports rose 21% last year. While noting that many Nigerians still face hardship, Tinubu said his government is focused on reducing inflation, boosting food production, creating jobs, and raising living standards.
Credible polls, local government autonomy
Ahead of elections in Ekiti and Osun States, the President charged INEC, security agencies, and political parties to ensure peaceful, credible polls. “Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process,” he said.
He said his administration is pursuing financial autonomy for Nigeria’s 774 local councils, arguing that the collapse of grassroots governance contributes to insecurity.
Tinubu announced the revitalisation and renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.
He also announced national awards for Nigerians persecuted during the pro-democracy struggle, including Barrister Ayoka Lawani, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Sam Omatseye, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, and Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd). Posthumous honours include Dr Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi.
Soldier-democrats recognised include Major General MA Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Col Sambo Dasuki, Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong, and Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe. “The honours list will be released in the next few days,” Tinubu said.
Closing his address, Tinubu urged unity and hope. “27 years ago, many doubted democracy would survive here because of our diversity. Today, our diversity sustains our democracy. The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” he said.
