ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his dedication to upholding Nigeria’s democracy, pledging to strengthen its foundations and protect the rights of all citizens as the country marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.
Addressing a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday to commemorate Democracy Day, Tinubu reflected on the sacrifices that paved the way for the return to civil rule in 1999. He honored those who paid the ultimate price and made significant contributions during the nation’s long struggle against the military dictatorship.
He paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, widely regarded as the symbol of the June 12 struggle, while also acknowledging the roles played by other notable figures. Among those remembered were Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Bagauda Kaltho, Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu, and many others who were either murdered, imprisoned, or persecuted during the fight for democracy.
President Tinubu declared that democracy in Nigeria was built through nationwide efforts, not limited to any region or political bloc.
“The struggle was never the province of any one group or section of the country, it was pan-Nigerian in its conception and will be even more pan-Nigerian as we strive to perfect it,” he said.
In an apparent response to speculation that his party seeks to entrench one-party dominance, Tinubu dismissed the claims, describing them as unfounded.
“To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be a result of your panic, it rings in error. At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria. I have never attempted to alter any political party registration with INEC. Equally, my friends, we cannot blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket,” the president declared.
Tinubu welcomed defectors from the opposition into the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, while urging other parties to address their internal issues instead of raising alarms about defections.
He called on lawmakers across party lines to collaborate on key reforms aimed at accelerating national development. The President highlighted efforts already underway to reshape the economy, including macroeconomic stabilization, improved GDP growth, easing inflation, and a boost in foreign reserves.
He cited progress under the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, with over 100,000 Nigerians now accessing credit, and revealed a plan to extend credit facilities to 400,000 youth, including members of the National Youth Service Corps. He also mentioned investments in education, digital infrastructure, and job readiness programs through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
The President pledged to continue supporting small businesses through tax reliefs and performance-based oversight and reaffirmed plans to grow the manufacturing base to reduce import dependence and achieve food self-sufficiency.
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s economic goals, including achieving a 7% growth rate in the medium term and creating a more conducive environment for investment through an overhaul of the tax system. He credited the National Assembly for supporting key bills and emphasized the need to pass new laws that would spur job creation and strengthen food production.
On national security, Tinubu stated that efforts to secure the country were being intensified. He praised the Armed Forces for their courage and called on citizens to support them with prayers and continued recognition.
In a major symbolic gesture, Tinubu announced a raft of national honours for those who played prominent roles in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. Alhaja Kudirat Abiola was posthumously awarded the title of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), while other fallen heroes of the June 12 struggle were similarly decorated.
Among those honored posthumously were Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Pa Alfred Rewane, and Ken Saro-Wiwa, along with members of the Ogoni Nine. The President also granted full state pardons to Saro-Wiwa and his fellow activists under the prerogative of mercy.
Living honourees included Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, Bishop Matthew Kukah, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, and journalism icons like Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, who turned 90 on June 13.
The presiding officers of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, were formally decorated with their national honors previously announced.
President Tinubu concluded his address by urging all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the ideals of June 12: freedom, equity, social justice, citizen engagement, and an inclusive government.
