Address By President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR At The Joint Session Of The National Assembly In Commemoration Of Democracy Day

Protocol.

With profound honour, I stand before this distinguished joint session of our National Assembly—a body that personifies the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.

As I walked into this hallowed chamber—built upon the sacrifices and aspirations of generations who yearned for freedom—my heart swelled with both gratitude and resolve. Gratitude for how far we have come. Resolve for the journey that still lies ahead.

Since 1999, democracy has risen from the shadows of dictatorship and repression to become the enduring foundation of our national life. While our progress has been hard-won, it is undeniable. Every debate instead of battle, every argument instead of armed confrontation, has further embedded democratic values into our national fabric.

We commemorate this day—June 12—not simply to mark a date, but to honour the sacrifices that secured our democracy. I salute former President Muhammadu Buhari for correcting a historic injustice by declaring June 12 as Democracy Day, and by posthumously recognising Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and Babagana Kingibe as the rightful winners of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Chief Abiola remains the central figure of that struggle, but we must never forget others who paid the ultimate price. Alhaja Kudirat Abiola. Pa Alfred Rewane. Journalists, students, activists, politicians—all of them harassed, imprisoned, tortured, and killed.

We remember Chief Anthony Enahoro, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Balarabe Musa, Ganiyu Dawodu, Bagauda Kaltho, Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu, among many others. Their courage knew no region, religion, or class. The fight for democracy was, and remains, a pan-Nigerian cause.

Today, I reiterate my solemn vow before God and before this nation: I will do all that is within my power to protect, defend, and deepen our democracy.

Honourable Members, it is fitting that I make this declaration here. This Assembly has been central to our democratic resilience. From the rejection of the third-term bid in 2006 to the invocation of the doctrine of necessity in 2010, you have proven your commitment to constitutional order.

Even during military rule, brave legislators stood firm. After the 1993 coup, some of us—including Senator Ameh Ebute—risked everything to reconvene the dissolved National Assembly in Lagos. We paid the price with our freedom.

And now, let me dispel a troubling misconception. Some allege that this administration seeks to establish a one-party state. Let me be unequivocal: I do not believe in, nor will I ever support, a one-party Nigeria. My political history proves this.

In 2003, I stood virtually alone in my region as the last opposition governor. Despite overwhelming odds, I endured. Because I believe in Nigeria’s multiparty democracy. Let no one mistake defections or realignments for coercion. Parties must put their houses in order rather than peddle false alarms.

That said, we welcome those who voluntarily join us—from Delta, Akwa Ibom, and elsewhere. Our democracy thrives on diversity and competition. Let us compete not to conquer one another, but to better serve our people.

On the economy, we inherited deep structural challenges. But we have acted decisively. Reforms are working. Our GDP grew by 3.4% in 2024, with Q4 posting a decade-high 4.6%. Inflation is easing. Food prices are stabilising. Our foreign reserves have increased fivefold. The Naira has regained stability.

We’ve launched consumer credit programs, supporting over 100,000 Nigerians—including 35,000 civil servants. Next month, we’ll empower 400,000 youth—including NYSC members—with access to credit.

NELFUND is improving access to education and skills. We’re investing in vocational training and internships. Fibre optic cables are being laid nationwide, bridging the digital divide and powering a new economy.

Our “Nigeria First” industrial policy is taking root. We aim for 7% annual growth, food sovereignty, and a rejuvenated manufacturing base. The Tax Reform Package—thank you for your cooperation—is about to become law. We’re streamlining the tax system, exempting small businesses, and protecting taxpayers through the new Tax Ombudsman.

We’re also connecting the diaspora through the Diaspora Bond and Non-Resident BVN. And with the new N100 billion National Credit Guarantee Company, we’re unlocking capital for SMEs and boosting industrial productivity.

Security remains paramount. Our forces are reclaiming communities. Inter-agency coordination is improving. Highways are safer. Investments in technology, training, and equipment continue. To the Armed Forces—we owe you our deepest gratitude.

But a safer Nigeria must also be a freer one. Democracy means tolerating dissent—even stinging criticism. I do not fear being called names. Let them come. What I fear is the silence imposed by tyranny. Let our democracy be noisy and alive rather than quiet and dead.

As we mark 26 years of unbroken democracy, let us pay due honour to our heroes.

I hereby confer the following National Honours:

• Kudirat Abiola (CFR) – for her ultimate sacrifice.
• Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Pa Alfred Rewane (CFR), Balarabe Musa (CFR), Bagauda Kaltho (OON), and others who shaped our democratic journey.
• Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON) and his fellow Ogoni Eight – full posthumous pardon and national honours in recognition of their wrongful execution and enduring environmental advocacy.

To the living champions of democracy:

• Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Bishop Matthew Kukah (CON), Femi Falana (CON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Kunle Ajibade (OON), and many more—your voices lit the torch of freedom.

To the National Assembly leadership:

• Senator Godswill Akpabio (GCON)
• Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (GCON)
• Senator Barau Jibrin (CFR)
• Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu (CFR)

You are hereby officially decorated with the national honours earlier conferred upon you.

In closing, I call on every Nigerian to rededicate themselves to the ideals of June 12: liberty, justice, equity, free elections, accountable leadership, and the enduring promise that no one shall be oppressed.

Happy Democracy Day.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
May He continue to protect our troops.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria