Full text of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Democracy Day address on Friday

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked Democracy Day on Friday, he stood at the forefront of a nation grappling with the complexities of democratic governance. For 27 unbroken years, Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot, evidence of the country's resilience and commitment to democratic values. However, the path forward is fraught with challenges, and President Tinubu's address served as a clarion call to action, urging citizens, institutions, and the government to work together to strengthen the nation's democracy.

President Tinubu's speech was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Nigerians who fought for freedom and democracy. He paid tribute to patriots who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even death, allowing future generations to enjoy the fruits of democracy. This acknowledgment of the past is crucial, as it underscores the importance of learning from history and building on the progress made. By honouring the resilience of Nigerians who refused to surrender their faith in freedom, President Tinubu sent a powerful message to the current generation: that the struggles of the past are not in vain.

One of the most pressing issues facing Nigeria's democracy is security. President Tinubu acknowledged this reality, stating that democracy without security is not solid enough. In response, his administration has declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits. The 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion to defence and security, the largest allocation in the nation's history. This commitment to security is a welcome development, as it demonstrates the government's willingness to address the root causes of insecurity and protect its citizens.

President Tinubu's address also highlighted the importance of institutions in a functioning democracy. He urged the National Assembly, Judiciary, the Press, and Civil Society to continue playing their roles as guardrails of the republic. This emphasis on the rule of law and the separation of powers is critical, as it ensures that power is checked and balanced, preventing any one institution from dominating the others.

As President Tinubu concluded his address, he issued a clarion call to action, urging citizens to build Nigeria, code here, work here, and vote here. This message is directed at the young people of Nigeria, who hold the key to the nation's future. By staying and solving problems, rather than abandoning ship, they can help build a brighter future for themselves and their country.

As Nigeria navigates the complexities of democratic governance, President Tinubu's address provides a roadmap for the nation's future. With a commitment to security, a recognition of the importance of institutions, and a call to action to the young people of Nigeria, the President has set the stage for a renewed focus on democratic values. However, the challenges ahead are significant, and it remains to be seen whether the government and citizens will work together to address them.As we move forward, it is essential to remember that democracy is a work in progress. It requires ongoing effort and commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen and defend it. President Tinubu's address serves as a reminder of the importance of this work and the need for collective action to build a brighter future for Nigeria.