Tinubu’s 2025 Democracy Day Speech – Full Text

ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR
TO THE JOINT SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
ON DEMOCRACY DAY – JUNE 12, 2025

Protocol.

1. It is a great honour to stand before this joint session of the National Assembly — a true symbol of the people’s will.

2. As I entered this chamber, built through the hopes and sacrifices of Nigerians, I felt pride in how far we’ve come, and clarity on how much further we must go.

3. Since 1999, we have nurtured democracy from the ruins of military rule into the system that now defines our nation.

4. Every step I took here reminded me of our unfinished journey — one of deep commitment and unity.

5. That’s why I sought this office: to protect, uphold, and deepen our democracy as God intended.

6. Since 2018, we’ve marked Democracy Day on June 12 in honour of those who fought for Nigeria’s democratic restoration.

7. I commend former President Muhammadu Buhari for recognizing June 12 as Democracy Day and posthumously validating the electoral victory of Chief MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe in 1993.

8. Every peaceful election, every debate over conflict, and every law passed with dissent shows our democracy growing stronger.

9. While MKO Abiola stands at the heart of June 12, many others made critical sacrifices for democracy.

10. We remember Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, who lost their lives in the struggle, along with many journalists, activists, and politicians jailed, exiled, or silenced.

11. I recall heroes like Chief Anthony Enahoro, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Balarabe Musa, and many others — not to exclude anyone, but to show that democracy was a national effort.

12. This struggle belonged to all Nigerians, and so must the future of our democracy.

13. I stand before lawmakers — the authors of our laws — with a pledge to implement them faithfully. Even when we disagree, we must work together.

14. This Assembly has played critical roles in protecting our democracy — from rejecting tenure extensions in 2006 to invoking the doctrine of necessity in 2010.

15. Even during military rule, members of this institution defied tyranny. I was jailed for standing with Senate President Ameh Ebute to resist General Abacha’s actions.

16. On behalf of Nigerians, I thank you for your commitment to legislation, oversight, and representation.

17. Let me address a troubling rumour.

18. Some claim that we aim to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. I assure you — nothing could be further from the truth.

19. My political history testifies to my commitment to pluralism. In 2003, I stood alone against attempts to crush opposition.

20. Back then, the ruling party claimed it would govern for 50 years. Where are they today?

21. Despite being outnumbered, I resisted because destiny is not in mortal hands — Nigeria will never be a one-party state.

22. The failed attempt to silence opposition led to the birth of the APC and, eventually, to my presidency.

23. I reject any form of political dominance. But I welcome those joining the APC from other parties — such as Governors Oborevwori and Umo Eno — not to suppress opposition, but to strengthen our democratic diversity.

24. If parties are losing members, the problem lies within. Let them reflect and rebuild.

25. Our democracy thrives when multiple voices compete and collaborate. We must embrace diversity in politics as we do in culture and ethnicity.

26. On the economy, unity is also crucial.

27. Upon taking office, we launched major reforms to fix structural economic issues and stimulate growth.

28. We’ve begun to see progress: 2024 GDP grew 3.4%, with 4.6% in Q4 — the best in a decade. Inflation is easing, food prices are stabilizing, foreign reserves have grown, and the Naira is steadier.

29. Over 100,000 Nigerians have accessed affordable credit through CREDICORP — including 35,000 civil servants. By July, 400,000 young Nigerians, including NYSC members, will benefit from a new credit initiative.

30. Through NELFUND and other programmes, we are expanding opportunities for youth through skills, education, and jobs.

31. We’re laying nationwide fibre optic cables to connect communities and empower education, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion.

32. Our “Nigeria First” approach supports domestic production and aims to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food and goods.

33. The economy is now on a stronger footing for large-scale investment and long-term growth.

34. I urge you to help craft legislation that spurs manufacturing, industrialisation, and food security.

35. Our Tax Reform Package is a key piece of our economic agenda. I thank both chambers for your collaboration and look forward to signing it into law.

36. Your bipartisan support has been a model for democratic cooperation.

37. We must keep pushing for a political and economic system that delivers for all Nigerians.

38. Protecting civil liberties, free speech, and peaceful disagreement is key. Let us legislate with tolerance and openness.

39. Criticism can be painful, but it is essential. True democracy is tested by our willingness to listen — even to harsh words.

40. I am ready to defend every Nigerian’s right to speak freely — even if it is against me.

41. Nigeria isn’t perfect, but we are strong. Our democracy is alive, and our best days are still ahead.

42. We are undergoing a fundamental transformation to secure our future.

43. By investing in infrastructure — roads, ports, power — and streamlining taxes, we’re creating a better climate for business.

44. We’re easing the burden on small businesses and using digital tools to increase efficiency and reduce waste.

45. We’ve launched the National Credit Guarantee Company with ₦100 billion to back small industries and reduce corruption.

46. Security remains a top priority. We are taking back territory from criminals, improving intelligence, and making our highways safer.

47. I salute the courage of our Armed Forces. Their sacrifice underpins our democracy and must always be honoured.

48. These achievements are collective. But more needs to be done to ensure real improvements in people’s lives.

49. As we celebrate 26 years of unbroken democracy, we must remember the sacrifices that made it possible.

50. In recognition, I award the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola the national honour of CFR.

51. I also posthumously honour others like Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, and many more who fought for democracy.

52. Living recipients include Prof. Wole Soyinka, journalists like Kunle Ajibade, Dapo Olorunyomi, and defenders of civil liberties like Femi Falana and Bishop Matthew Kukah.

53. I confer the honour of CON on veteran journalist Sam Amuka Pemu, who turns 90 tomorrow.

54. I also honour the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, and announce a full presidential pardon for them and others, in consultation with the National Council of State.

55. Finally, I decorate the National Assembly’s presiding officers with honours conferred last year:

• Senate President Godswill Akpabio – GCON

• Speaker Abbas Tajudeen – GCON

• Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau – CFR

• Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu – CFR

56. Let us recommit to the values of June 12: freedom, justice, accountability, and a society where no one is oppressed.

57. Happy Democracy Day. May God bless Nigeria and protect our troops.

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