Democracy Day: Tinubu defends reforms, unveils honours for June 12 heroes

President Bola Tinubu on Friday used his 2026 Democracy Day address to defend his administration’s economic reforms, highlight gains in the fight against insecurity, and announce national honours for dozens of pro-democracy activists and military officers who participated in the June 12 struggle.

In the nationwide broadcast marking 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain committed to democratic values, saying the country had achieved its longest period of civilian governance since independence.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political parties to ensure peaceful and credible elections in Ekiti and Osun states in the coming days.

“Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process,” the President said, while urging the National Assembly, judiciary, media and civil society groups to continue playing their roles in strengthening democratic institutions.

Tinubu also appealed to Nigerian youths to contribute to national development, encouraging them to build careers and businesses in the country and actively participate in the democratic process.

The President acknowledged growing security concerns, particularly the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states, but expressed optimism that the victims would be rescued.

He said the Federal Government had declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel to tackle insecurity.

According to him, the 2026 budget allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security, the highest in the country’s history.

Tinubu said military operations had recorded significant successes against insurgent groups, including the destruction of an ISWAP command centre in Arege, Borno State.

He added that terror-related deaths had fallen by 81 per cent since 2015, while more than 13,000 terrorists had been neutralised in the past year.

The President also disclosed that over 124,000 fighters and their dependants had surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023.

Addressing economic issues, Tinubu defended the reforms introduced by his administration since assuming office in 2023, saying they were necessary to stabilise public finances and restore investor confidence.

He said federation revenues had increased, enabling state and local governments to spend more on infrastructure, healthcare, education and security.

The President noted that investments in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation and the creative industry had grown, while non-oil exports increased by 21 per cent in the past year.

Tinubu further highlighted developments in the power sector, including the implementation of the Electricity Act, which allows states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity.

He said efforts were ongoing to reduce the country’s metering deficit and settle legacy debts in the power sector through a proposed N4 trillion bond.

The President also announced that the National Agricultural Development Fund would deploy 10,000 tractors over five years to boost food production and agricultural productivity.

Despite the reported gains, Tinubu acknowledged that many Nigerians were still facing economic hardship and pledged continued efforts to reduce inflation, create jobs and improve living standards.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to granting financial autonomy to the country’s 774 local government councils, arguing that effective grassroots governance was essential for national development and security.

Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Tinubu paid tribute to the late Chief MKO Abiola, winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, and other prominent figures who played key roles in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
Among those he honoured were the late Kudirat Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi, Bola Ige, Alfred Rewane, Abraham Adesanya, Anthony Enahoro, Balarabe Musa, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.

The President 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 the late politician’s contributions to democracy.

Tinubu also unveiled a list of activists, journalists, lawyers, academics and military officers who would receive national honours for their roles in the struggle for democracy.

He said the full honours list would be released in the coming days.
The President urged Nigerians to remain united despite current challenges, expressing confidence that the country would overcome insecurity and economic difficulties.

“The generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity,” Tinubu said.

He concluded by calling on citizens to reject division and despair and work together to build a more prosperous and inclusive nation.