June 12: ‘Democracy Must Be Felt in the Pocket’ — Tinubu Highlights Major Steps

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday said the ultimate test of Nigeria’s democracy is not only the freedom to vote and choose leaders but the ability of citizens to experience improved livelihoods, economic opportunities and prosperity.

Tinubu, in his Democracy Day address, said the sacrifices of June 12 heroes secured political freedom for Nigerians, adding that the responsibility of the present generation is to deliver economic freedom.

“June 12, 1993, revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom,” the President said.

He added, “Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives—in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers.”

The President noted Nigeria had recorded 27 uninterrupted years of civilian rule since May 29, 1999, describing it as the longest period of democratic governance in the country’s history.

“Today, we celebrate democracy and the enduring Nigerian spirit. For 27 unbroken years, Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot, witnessed peaceful transitions of power, and resolved disagreements in courtrooms and legislative chambers—not through violence,” Tinubu said, pointing out “ Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it.”

The President called on political actors, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure peaceful and credible elections in Ekiti and Osun States, urging Nigerians to continue to believe in the democratic process.

“Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process. To our National Assembly, Judiciary, the Press, and Civil Society: you are the guardrails of our republic. Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria,” he said.

Addressing young Nigerians, Tinubu urged them to see the country as a place of opportunity and responsibility.

“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,” he said.

On security, the President acknowledged concerns over recent abductions in Oyo and Borno States, saying his administration was committed to protecting citizens.

“Democracy without security is not solid enough,” Tinubu said, adding that the government had declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers alongside thousands of military recruits.

The President said the 2026 budget allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security, describing it as the country’s largest-ever commitment to the sector.

He also highlighted ongoing counter-terrorism operations, saying Nigeria had moved from training with international partners, including the United States, France and European countries, to precision targeting of terrorist networks.

“In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre. Terror-related deaths are down by 81 per cent since 2015. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year,” the President disclosed.

He added that the government had kept open a pathway for those willing to surrender, noting that more than 124,000 fighters and dependants had laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.
However, he issued a warning to criminal elements.

“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,” Tinubu offered.

The President devoted part of the address to the legacy of June 12, honouring the memory of Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and other democracy activists who played roles in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

He listed Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo, Chima Ubani and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua among those whose sacrifices helped strengthen democracy.

Tinubu said the greatest tribute to the heroes of democracy would be building a nation where freedom, justice, opportunity and accountability are protected.

“The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable,” he charges.

On the economy, the President defended the reforms introduced by his administration, saying they were necessary to restore stability and strengthen Nigeria’s financial future.

“The reforms we are undertaking were not chosen for ease, but for necessity,” Tinubu asserted.

He said the measures had improved fiscal transparency, increased federation revenues and restored investor confidence, with investments growing in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation and creative industries.

Tinubu also pointed to increased domestic refining capacity and efforts to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

On the power sector, he said the Electricity Act had opened opportunities for states to participate in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, while efforts were ongoing to address metering gaps and legacy debts.

“The Presidential Power Sector Task Force is working hard to reduce the metering deficit. It has also been authorised to raise N4 trillion bond to settle verified legacy debts,” he said.
He said infrastructure projects across the country were connecting producers to markets, while the National Agricultural Development Fund was deploying 10,000 tractors over five years.

Tinubu added that more than 1,000 small and medium enterprises had been certified for export and that non-oil exports increased by 21 per cent last year.

Recognising ongoing economic pressures, the President said his administration remained focused on reducing inflation, expanding food production, creating jobs and improving living standards.

“We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community, and every region,” he said.

He also highlighted the push for financial autonomy for Nigeria’s 774 local government councils, saying effective grassroots governance was necessary to address national challenges.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about ensuring that all Nigerians benefit from governance,” Tinubu emphasized.

The President announced the revitalisation and renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology, in recognition of Yar’Adua’s contribution to national development.

He also unveiled national honours for Nigerians who suffered persecution, exile, imprisonment and hardship during the struggle for democracy.

Among those listed for recognition were Ayoka Lawani, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Segun Babatope, Sam Omatseye, Sir Ademola Osinubi, Bola Bolawole, Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Debo Adeniran, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Chief Ralph Obiora, Ose Osayande, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Dr Arthur Nwankwo (posthumous), Dr Osagie Obayuwana, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Richard Akinnola, Ben Charles-Obi (posthumous), Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Ike Okonta and several others.

The President also recognised military figures linked to the June 12 struggle, including Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Col. Umar Farouk Ahmed, Col. Sambo Dasuki, Col. Lawan Gwadabe, Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong, Major General Chris Eze, Major General Harris Dzarma, Major General Joseph Oshanupin and Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe.

Tinubu concluded by urging Nigerians to remain united despite challenges.

“Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence—the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity,” he insisted, adding “June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break.”