Democracy Must Be Felt in the Pocket, Says President Tinubu 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that democracy must translate into tangible economic benefits for citizens, stressing that Nigerians should feel the impact of democratic governance in their daily lives and livelihoods.

President Tinubu stated this during his nationwide address to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration on June 12.

He noted that for 27 unbroken years, since May 29, 1999, Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot, witnessed peaceful transitions of power, and resolved disagreements in courtrooms and legislative chambers — not through violence.

“We have experienced the longest stretch of civilian rule in our history. Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it. In the coming days, Ekiti and Osun States will hold elections. I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible.

“Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process. To our National Assembly, Judiciary, the Press, and Civil Society: you are the guardrails of our republic. Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria,” he said.

The President also urged Nigerian youths to build, code, work, and vote in the country, stating that Nigeria is their home and future. He asserted that every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship.

He commended security operatives, including the armed forces, police, and intelligence services, for their sacrifices, as well as traditional rulers, faith leaders, and community heads for their support of peace and reconciliation.

Tinubu acknowledged that the government cannot do it alone, while honouring the resilience of Nigerians who refused to surrender their faith in freedom, and the courage of those who stood firm against intimidation.

“We pay tribute to patriots who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even death so that future generations could enjoy democracy. I salute labour leaders, journalists, activists, students, women, professionals, political leaders, and soldiers — both those who have passed and those still with us — for their patriotic contributions.

“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is not solid enough. That is why this administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits. Our 2026 budget commits ₦5.41 trillion — our largest ever — to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people.”

He emphasised that Nigeria has moved from training with its allies, the United States, France, and other European countries to precision targeting.

“In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre. Terror-related deaths are down by 81% since 2015. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year. But we also keep the door of surrender open. Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor,” he declared.

“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”

He also urged Nigerians not to assign blame or point fingers, noting that crime has no ethnicity and that Nigerians must stand united and be assured that the enemies of the country shall soon be history.

“We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” Tinubu noted. “June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story. We remember Chief M.K.O. Abiola, who won a pan-Nigerian mandate transcending ethnicity and religion. We remember Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.”

“We also remember Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo, Chima Ubani, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and the many other heroes and heroines of democracy whose sacrifices helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.”

President Tinubu said that as beneficiaries of their struggle, his administration has a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought. He affirmed that the greatest tribute that can be paid is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable.

He recalled that June 12, 1993, revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation, adding that the heroes of June 12 secured political freedom.

“Our challenge is to secure economic freedom. Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives — in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers.”

Tinubu noted that the reforms undertaken by his administration were not chosen for ease, but for necessity. He stated that three years ago, Nigeria’s public finances were under severe strain, investment was discouraged, and economic uncertainty threatened the future.

“We chose to act, embracing reforms to advance Nigeria’s economic freedom. Since 2023, our reforms have restored stability and credibility to economic management. Federation revenues have risen, providing states and local governments with more resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security.

“Fiscal transparency has improved, leakage has been reduced, and public funds are better directed to national priorities. Investor confidence has returned, with investments in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation, and the creative industries growing.”

He stressed that domestic refining capacity has increased, strengthening energy security and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.

Tinubu disclosed that when he assumed office in 2023, the electricity sector was characterised by chronic generation shortfalls, an unreliable gas supply, and transmission infrastructure so fragile that it could not evacuate available power.

He also revealed that distribution companies were burdened by massive losses and a metering deficit of over four million.

“Worst of all, the value chain was drowning in legacy debt. The result was a sector that generated less than the 13,500 Megawatts installed capacity, a sector that transmitted less than it generated, distributed less than it transmitted and collected revenue far below what it needed to sustain itself.

“To address the problems besetting the sector, I signed the Electricity Act, which grants states authority to generate, transmit, and distribute power. The Presidential Power Sector Task Force is working hard to reduce the metering deficit. It has also been authorised to raise ₦4 trillion bond to settle verified legacy debts. The Rural Electrification Agency, supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, has deployed off-grid and mini-grid power to underserved communities, universities, markets, and hospitals.”

He affirmed that electricity is a democratic dividend his government owes every Nigerian, and that he intends to deliver it.

Speaking further, he said: “Across the country, infrastructure projects are connecting producers to markets and creating opportunities for enterprise and employment. The National Agricultural Development Fund is deploying 10,000 tractors over five years. Over 1,000 SMEs have been certified for export. Non-oil exports grew by 21% last year.

“Yet, many Nigerians still face economic hardship. We remain focused on reducing inflation, expanding food production, creating jobs, improving living standards, rebuilding confidence in our economy, and creating conditions for sustainable prosperity. We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community, and every region. We believe that Democracy must be felt in the pocket.

“Recognising that democracy is undermined when people do not feel its impact, my administration has sought financial autonomy for our 774 local councils. A fundamental challenge to our nation’s advancement has been ineffective local government administration. The insecurity we are addressing is partly due to the collapse of grassroots governance. The Renewed Hope Agenda is about ensuring that all Nigerians benefit from governance.”

The President asserted that every generation has a defining responsibility, noting that the generation of our founding fathers secured independence — the generation of June 12 secured democracy.

However, he stated that this generation must secure prosperity and move forward together by rejecting division, cynicism, and despair.

He equally urged them to embrace unity, hope, and confidence, thereby building a Nigeria united by a common purpose, strengthened by diversity, where justice is accessible, liberty is secure, and opportunity is abundant.

“Among the architects of modern democratic Nigeria, we honour General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua for his vision of national partnership. In recognition of his contributions, the Federal Government has approved the revitalisation and renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology,” he declared.

He also announced national awards to those who suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that Nigeria could have democracy today.

The national awardees include Barrister Ayoka Lawani, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Segun Babatope, Sam Omatseye, Sir Ademola Osinubi, Bola Bolawole, Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Debo Adeniran, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Chief Ralph Obiora, and Ose Osayande.

Others are Barrister Osa Director, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Dr Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous), Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, Barrister Titus Mann, Joe Igbokwe, Richard Akinnola, Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous), George Mbah, Dr. Niran Malaolu, Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd), Femi Aborisade, Jenkins Alumona, and Gbemiga Ogunleye.

The awardees also include Muyiwa Adekeye, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Ike Okonta, and soldier-democrats of the June 12 struggle, namely Major General MA Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Col Umar Farouk Ahmed, Col Sambo Dasuki, Col Lawan Gwadabe, Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong, Col Musa Shehu, Major General Chris Eze, Major General Harris Dzarma.

Others include Col Isa Jibrin, Maj. General Joseph Oshanupin, Col Olusegun Oloruntoba, Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom), Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus, Col J Okai, Col Emmanuel Ndubueze, Lt Col Yakubu Muazu, Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the current Etsu Nupe, who is already the holder of the CFR title.

Tinubu disclosed that the honours list will be released in the next few days.

He reiterated that 27 years ago, many doubted democracy would survive in Nigeria because of its diversity, noting that diversity sustains democracy in Nigeria today.

“The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break. Let us renew our covenant: That the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this land.

“May God bless the heroes of our democracy. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God continue to bless us all. Happy Democracy Day,” he added.

ThelensNG