President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered his Democracy Day address on Friday, June 12, 2026, celebrating 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of defending democracy, noting that Nigerians have peacefully chosen leaders through ballots since 1999. Tinubu called for credible elections in Ekiti and Osun States, urging INEC and security agencies to ensure peaceful polls.
Security and Defence
Tinubu acknowledged the abduction of children in Oyo and Borno, declaring a security emergency. He announced the recruitment of over 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel. The 2026 budget allocates N5.41 trillion to defence and security, the largest ever. He reported an 81% reduction in terror-related deaths since 2015 and over 13,000 terrorists neutralised in the past year. Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor. Tinubu warned bandits and kidnappers to surrender or face the full force of the state.
Economic Reforms
Tinubu outlined economic reforms since 2023, including restored fiscal stability, increased federation revenues, improved transparency, and growing investor confidence in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and technology. Domestic refining capacity has increased. He signed the Electricity Act to empower states in power generation and distribution. The Presidential Power Sector Task Force aims to reduce the metering deficit and raise a N4 trillion bond for legacy debts. The Rural Electrification Agency has deployed off-grid power to underserved areas. Non-oil exports grew by 21% last year. Tinubu acknowledged ongoing economic hardship but stressed focus on reducing inflation, expanding food production, and creating jobs.
Local Government Autonomy
Tinubu highlighted financial autonomy for 774 local councils as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to strengthen grassroots governance and address insecurity.
Honouring June 12 Heroes
Tinubu paid tribute to democracy heroes, including Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, and others. He announced the renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology. He also announced national awards for several activists and soldier-democrats who endured persecution for democracy. The full honours list will be released soon.
Tinubu concluded by urging Nigerians to reject division and embrace unity, hope, and confidence, stating that the generation of June 12 secured democracy, and the current generation must secure prosperity.
