By Babs Oyetoro
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday declared that Nigeria’s democratic journey must now translate into economic prosperity for citizens.
He used the 2026 Democracy Day celebration to defend his administration’s reforms, highlight security gains, honour June 12 heroes and call for national unity.
In a nationwide broadcast marking 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, Tinubu said the struggle that culminated in the restoration of civilian governance had secured political freedom, but insisted that the current generation must focus on achieving economic freedom and shared prosperity.
“The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom,” the President said.
“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.”
He urged Nigerians to remain united despite economic and security challenges confronting the country, stressing that the nation would overcome its difficulties through collective effort.
“Let us move forward together, rejecting division, cynicism, and despair; embracing unity, hope, and confidence,” he said.
“Let us build a Nigeria united by a common purpose, strengthened by diversity, where justice is accessible, liberty is secure, and opportunity is abundant.”
Tinubu paid glowing tribute to the heroes and heroines of the June 12 struggle, describing the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.
He specifically honoured the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the election, his wife, Kudirat Abiola, and several pro-democracy campaigners who fought military rule.
“We remember Chief M.K.O. Abiola, who won a pan-Nigerian mandate transcending ethnicity and religion. We remember Alhaja Kudirat Abiola,” he said.
The President also paid tribute to prominent figures including the late 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.
“We honour the resilience of Nigerians who refused to surrender their faith in freedom, and the courage of those who stood firm against intimidation,” Tinubu stated.
*National awards approved for pro-democracy activists
As part of efforts to immortalise the sacrifices of democracy activists, the President announced the approval of national honours for dozens of individuals who played critical roles in the struggle against military dictatorship.
According to him, the beneficiaries include journalists, lawyers, labour leaders, civil rights advocates, academics and political activists who suffered persecution, detention, exile and imprisonment during the fight for democratic governance.
Among those named were Ayoka Lawani, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Segun Babatope, Sam Omatseye, Ademola Osinubi, Bola Bolawole, Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Debo Adeniran, Ayo Opadokun, Ralph Obiora, Ose Osayande, Osa Director, Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Arthur Nwankwo (posthumous), Osagie Obayuwana, Joe Okei-Odumakin, Titus Mann, Joe Igbokwe, Richard Akinnola, Ben Charles-Obi (posthumous), Niran Malaolu, Ishola Williams, Femi Aborisade, Jenkins Alumona, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Muyiwa Adekeye, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju and Ike Okonta.
Tinubu said the awards were intended to recognise Nigerians who “suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today.”
He also announced honours for a group of military officers who resisted military authoritarianism and supported democratic rule, including Maj.-Gen. M.A. Garba, Brig.-Gen. Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Col. Umar Farouk Ahmed, Col. Sambo Dasuki, Col. Lawan Gwadabe, Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Temlong and several others.
The President disclosed that the complete honours list would be published in the coming days.
Tinubu further announced the 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 the late military officer’s contributions to democratic development and national unity.
On security, the President said his administration remained committed to defeating terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.
“Democracy without security is a mirage,” he said.
He noted that the government had declared a security emergency, approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military recruits, and committed N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget.
*Claims 81% drop in terror-related fatalities
Highlighting achievements recorded by security agencies, Tinubu said terror-related fatalities had dropped by 81 per cent since 2015, while more than 13,000 terrorists had been killed in the past year.
“We degraded ISWAP’s command centre in Arege, Borno State. Terror-related deaths are down by 81 per cent since 2015. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year,” he said.
The President added that over 124,000 insurgents and their dependants had surrendered under Operation Safe Corridor since 2023.
He, however, warned criminal elements that the government would intensify its operations against them.
“Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” Tinubu declared.
“These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”
Defending the administration’s economic policies, Tinubu said difficult reforms implemented since 2023 had begun to stabilise the economy and restore investor confidence.
“The reforms we are undertaking were not chosen for ease, but for necessity,” he said.
According to him, federation revenues have risen significantly, public finances have become more transparent, investments are growing across key sectors and domestic refining capacity has expanded.
He also highlighted ongoing interventions in electricity, agriculture, infrastructure and exports, noting that more than 1,000 small and medium-scale enterprises had been certified for export, while non-oil exports grew by 21 per cent in the past year.
Acknowledging the economic hardship still faced by many Nigerians, Tinubu 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.
“Democracy must be felt in the pocket.”
The President also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and political parties to ensure peaceful and credible governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, warning that democracy suffers when citizens lose confidence in the electoral process.
He concluded by expressing confidence in Nigeria’s future and urging citizens not to lose faith in the country’s democratic project.
“The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” Tinubu said. “Our generation must secure prosperity.”
