President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked Nigeria’s 2026 Democracy Day with a nationwide address celebrating 27 years of unbroken civilian rule.

He reminded Nigerians that since 1999, the country has consistently chosen its leaders through the ballot box and resolved disagreements in courtrooms rather than through violence. He urged young people to build, code, work, and vote in Nigeria, stressing that great nations are made by those who stay to solve problems.

On security, President Tinubu declared that democracy without safety is a mirage. He noted that the government has recruited over 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits, with a record N5.41 trillion budgeted for defence in 2026. Terror-related deaths have dropped by 81% since 2015, and over 124,000 fighters have surrendered since 2023.

However, he warned bandits and kidnappers that these windows of surrender will not remain open forever.

The President admitted that many Nigerians still face economic hardship but insisted that recent reforms were necessary. He pointed to rising federation revenues, returning investor confidence, and growth in domestic refining capacity as signs of progress. On electricity, he explained that the new Electricity Act now allows states to generate and distribute power, while a special task force will raise N4 trillion to settle legacy debts in the sector.

President Tinubu honoured the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy struggle, naming Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, and Chief Bola Ige among many others who suffered for freedom. He announced national awards for several activists, including Richard Akinnola and Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin. He also approved renaming an institute in Kaduna as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.

President Tinubu urged Nigerians to reject division and embrace unity and hope. He noted that 27 years ago, many doubted democracy could survive in such a diverse nation, but today that diversity sustains democracy.

He called on everyone to renew the covenant that the labours of past heroes shall never be in vain, and that government of the people shall not perish from the land.