President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and other pro-democracy activists that his administration would address many of the governance issues they have long advocated for if re-elected for a second term in 2027. Tinubu gave the assurance on Tuesday in Lagos at the public presentation of The NADECO Story, a book authored by former NADECO General Secretary, Ayo Opadokun.
President's Message Delivered Through Osoba
The President, speaking through former Ogun State governor, Olusegun Osoba, expressed his continued gratitude to NADECO members and pro-democracy campaigners for their sacrifices in the struggle against military rule and for the restoration of democratic governance in Nigeria. According to Osoba, Tinubu stated that he “still has tremendous respect” for members of the coalition and acknowledged that he “would not have been where he is today” without their contributions to the democratic struggle.
Osoba further quoted Tinubu as promising that several reforms long demanded by NADECO and other democratic advocates would begin to take shape if he secured another term in office. “By the grace of God, many of the things that you people have been asking him to do will begin to be implemented when he gets a second term,” Osoba said.
Current Focus on Economic and Security Challenges
Tinubu, however, noted that his administration is currently focused on tackling the economic and security challenges confronting the country. He defended his administration’s exchange rate and subsidy removal policies, stating that the gap between the official and parallel foreign exchange markets has narrowed considerably. The President also alleged that some groups are deliberately attempting to destabilise the country because of the reforms introduced by his administration.
Soyinka Commends Book for Preserving History
Chairman of the occasion and Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, commended Opadokun for documenting the history of the pro-democracy struggle. He described the publication as a major contribution to preserving the truth about Nigeria’s democratic journey. Soyinka said the book has helped to redeem the image and reputation of many individuals whose sacrifices contributed to democratic governance in Nigeria. He noted that several key actors in the struggle had faded from public recognition despite the roles they played during the military era.
The literary icon also stressed that Nigeria’s democratic gains could not be attributed to any single individual, describing the struggle as a collective effort built on courage, sacrifice, and commitment.
Other Speakers at the Event
Also speaking, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, said not all those who participated in the NADECO struggle were visible on the streets carrying placards, noting that many contributed in different ways to sustain the movement. Osoba, in his remark, clarified that NADECO was not established solely to actualise the June 12 mandate, but principally to restore democracy in Nigeria.
Earlier in his opening remark, Opadokun said the event was organised not merely to celebrate the past, but to restore historical truth, promote national healing, and educate younger generations about the sacrifices made to sustain democracy in Nigeria.
