Tinubu Marks Democracy Day with Security Pledge, Economic Reforms, National Honours for June 12 Heroes

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to strengthening Nigeria's democracy, tackling insecurity, and advancing economic reforms as the country marked 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule.

In his Democracy Day address on Friday, June 12, 2026, President Tinubu described Nigeria's democratic journey as the longest period of civilian governance in the nation's history, urging citizens to continue defending and strengthening democratic institutions.

"Today, we celebrate not only democracy but also the enduring Nigerian spirit," the President said. "Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it."

Ahead of the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, Tinubu called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and political stakeholders to ensure peaceful, free, and credible polls, stressing that public confidence in the electoral process remains vital to sustaining democracy.

Addressing Nigeria's security challenges, the President acknowledged concerns over the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states, assuring Nigerians that the government remains committed to securing the release of the victims.

He disclosed that his administration had declared a security emergency, approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 additional police officers alongside thousands of military personnel, and allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget—the highest security allocation in Nigeria's history.

According to Tinubu, Nigeria's counter-terrorism efforts have recorded significant gains, including the degradation of ISWAP's command structure in Borno State. He stated that terror-related deaths have reduced substantially since 2015, while more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised in the past year.

The President also highlighted the success of the government's deradicalisation initiative, Operation Safe Corridor, revealing that over 124,000 fighters and their dependents had surrendered since 2023.

He issued a stern warning to terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and their sponsors, urging them to surrender or face decisive action from the state.

"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," he declared.

On the economy, Tinubu defended the administration's reforms, describing them as necessary measures to stabilise public finances and restore investor confidence. He noted that improvements in fiscal transparency, increased federation revenues, and growing investments across sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation, and the creative industry were signs of economic recovery.

The President said domestic refining capacity had expanded, reducing dependence on imported petroleum products, while efforts to reform the power sector were ongoing through the implementation of the Electricity Act, which empowers states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity.

He further disclosed that the Presidential Power Sector Task Force had been authorised to raise N4 trillion to settle verified legacy debts in the electricity value chain, while initiatives aimed at expanding rural electrification continue to improve access to power across underserved communities.

Despite these efforts, Tinubu acknowledged that many Nigerians still face economic hardship and assured citizens that his administration remains focused on reducing inflation, boosting food production, creating jobs, and improving living standards.

The President also reiterated his support for financial autonomy for Nigeria's 774 local government councils, arguing that effective grassroots governance is critical to addressing insecurity and ensuring development reaches all communities.

Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Tinubu paid tribute to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, as well as other prominent figures who fought for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.

He honoured the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists, journalists, labour leaders, students, professionals, and military officers who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and, in some cases, paid the ultimate price during the struggle against military rule.

The President announced that the Federal Government had approved 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 recognition of the late general's contributions to Nigeria's democratic development.

Tinubu also unveiled a list of Nigerians to receive national honours for their roles in the June 12 struggle. Those recognised include journalists, activists, legal practitioners, political figures, and retired military officers who contributed to the country's democratic advancement.

He said the complete honours list would be formally released in the coming days.

Calling on Nigerians to remain united despite prevailing challenges, Tinubu urged citizens to reject division and embrace hope, patriotism, and a shared commitment to national progress.

"The generation of our founding fathers secured independence, the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity," the President said.

He concluded by reaffirming his administration's commitment to building a nation where justice prevails, opportunities abound, and democratic governance delivers tangible benefits to all Nigerians.

"June 12 reminds us that Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break. Let us renew our covenant that the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain," Tinubu stated.

Nigeria celebrated 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance on June 12, commemorating the historic 1993 presidential election widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the country's history.