President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance, describing democracy as the foundation of national unity, stability and progress.
In his Democracy Day address on June 12, the President celebrated Nigeria’s 27 uninterrupted years of civilian rule since 1999, noting that the country has consistently resolved political disputes through elections, courts and legislative institutions rather than violence.
Tinubu urged stakeholders to ensure peaceful and credible elections in Ekiti and Osun states, warning that democracy is weakened when citizens lose confidence in the electoral process.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political parties to uphold the integrity of the polls.
The President also encouraged young Nigerians to actively participate in nation-building rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.
“Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here,” he said.
Tinubu paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12 struggle, including Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi and several other pro-democracy activists who sacrificed for Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He stressed that the greatest tribute to the nation’s democratic heroes is to strengthen institutions, protect freedoms, ensure justice and expand opportunities for citizens.
The President also announced the 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 late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.
Additionally, he revealed plans to confer national honours on dozens of activists, journalists, politicians and military officers who played key roles in the June 12 struggle, saying the full honours list would be released in the coming days.
