President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday delivered a national address to a joint session of the National Assembly to mark Democracy Day 2025.

In the speech, the President reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey and paid tribute to heroes of June 12.

Read the full speech below:

ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR AT THE JOINT SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN COMMEMORATION OF DEMOCRACY DAY, 2025THURSDAY, 12TH JUNE 2025

Protocol:

With profound honour, I stand before this joint session of our National Assembly; a parliament that embodies the will of the Nigerian people.

2. Today, as I entered this grand edifice built from the sweat and toil of our democratic yearning, my heart stirred. It was a blend of accomplishment and resolve.

3. I felt a sense of collective accomplishment when I realised how far we had come as a nation. Since 1999, democracy has risen from the ashes and destitution of military rule to take its rightful place as the only mode of governance of our resilient and beloved people.

4. With every footstep I took through these hallowed halls up to the moment I now stand before you, I remembered that we still have much further to go.

5. To achieve this progress, we sought an elective office to lead this nation forward. Thus, I hereby affirm before our Merciful and Almighty God and all men my resolve to do all that I can to safeguard and build our democracy as the Divine hand intends for us to do.

6. Since 2018, we have celebrated Democracy Day on this day; to commemorate the sacrifices of the men and women who fought to restore democratic governance to Nigeria.

7. Let me pay tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari for reaching back into history to rectify a national misdeed by making June 12 Democracy Day and by officially acknowledging Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, as the victors and thus duly elected President and Vice President respectively of Nigeria after the June 12, 1993 elections.

8. Year by year, election after election, every time we debate instead of battle, discuss instead of fight, and argue instead of destroy, we preserve the institutions of democracy. More importantly, we weave the culture of democracy into the very fabric of our nation.

9. Whilst Chief MKO Abiola is June 12’s central figure, we must not forget the long list of those who equally deserve to be called heroes of Nigerian democracy.

10. We must celebrate the courage of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, both of whom were murdered by agents of military repression. We also remember the many civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians imprisoned, exiled, tossed aside, tortured and beaten by the military regime.

11. We remember Chief Anthony Enahoro, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Balarabe Musa, Ganiyu Dawodu, the journalist Bagauda Kaltho, and Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu. I mention these names not to exclude or degrade the profound contributions of anyone else, but to illustrate, through these few heroes, the universality of our pursuit of democracy.

12. The struggle was never the province of any one group or section of the country, it was pan-Nigerian in its conception and will be even more pan-Nigerian as we strive to perfect it.

13. It is fitting that I come to this chamber. You are the authors of the people’s law, and I must be their faithful implementer. While we may not always agree, we must forge a way to work together because this is what democracy demands of us. I pledge myself to this cooperation and ask that you do the same for the good of our people.

14. Mr. Chairman, the National Assembly has acted to uphold democratic ideals at every critical moment in our national history. In 2006, the 5th National Assembly protected our democracy against an unseemly third-term bid that would have ripped our constitution apart. In 2010, the National Assembly, through the doctrine of necessity, opened the door for then-Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to become the acting President following the illness of his predecessor.

15. Even under the military, the National Assembly tried to protect our democracy. After General Abacha took over power on November 17, 1993, and dissolved the National Assembly, some of us, led by Senator Ameh Ebute, the Senate President in the 3rd Republic, defied the General and his goons to reconvene in the Old Parliament Building in Lagos. We were jailed for our defiance.

16. On behalf of a grateful nation, I commend your invaluable role in lawmaking, oversight, and constituency representation.

17. At this point, I plead for your indulgence so that I may put a terrible rumour to bed.

18. To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be as a result of your panic, it rings in error. At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria. I have never attempted to alter any political party registration with INEC. Equally, my friends, we cannot blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket.

19. Look at my political history. I would be the last person to advocate such a scheme. In 2003, when the then-governing party tried to sweep the nation clean of political opposition through plot and manipulation, I was the last of the progressive governors standing in my region.

20. In all their numbers and false grandeur, they boasted of ruling, not governing, Nigeria for the next half century or more. Where are they now?

21. Yet, I stood alone. My allies had been induced into defeat. My adversaries held all the cards that mortal man could carry. Even with all of that, they could not control our national destiny because fate is written from above. A greater power did not want Nigeria to become a one-party state back then. Nigeria will not become such a state now.

22. The failed effort to create a one-party state placed progressive political forces on a trajectory to form the APC. It put me on the trajectory which has brought me before you today. I dare not do such a favour to any political adversary by repeating the same mistake of political overreach.

23. A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be. That said, we would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those from other parties who now seek to join the APC and I sincerely welcome our party’s newest members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno and other members of this National Assembly.

24. Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist. For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.

25. We must welcome and accept the diversity and number of political parties just as we welcome and embrace the diversity of our population. Our efforts must never be to eliminate political competition but to make that competition salutary to the national well-being by working across the political aisle whenever possible.

26. One area in which democracy calls us to work together, whether in the legislative or executive branch, whether in this or other political parties, is that of economic and social development.

27. Upon assuming office, my team and I moved to reform our ailing economy. We introduced fundamental reforms to correct structural imbalances that prevented maximum growth.

28. We are already seeing results. GDP grew by 3.4 per cent in 2024, with Q4 hitting 4.6 per cent, the highest quarter of growth in over a decade. Inflation is easing gradually, steadying the price of food staples like rice and beans. Our net foreign reserves have increased fivefold, and the Naira exchange rate has stabilised. Our balance of payments position is positive; our sovereign credit rating is improving as we continue to promote oil and non-oil exports. States now do not need to go about borrowing to pay salaries.

29. In less than one year, over one hundred thousand Nigerians, including thirty-five thousand civil servants, have benefited from affordable consumer credit through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), enabling them to purchase vehicles, light up and improve their homes and purchase life essentials. This July, we will launch a bold new initiative to empower four hundred thousand young Nigerians, including youth corpers, with consumer credit.

30. We are committed to giving more opportunities to young people through job creation and skills development. Through such programs as NELFUND, we are investing in education, vocational training, apprenticeships, and internships to ensure our youth are job-ready and future-ready.

31. In addition, we have embarked on an ambitious project to lay fibre optic cables across the nation, a transformative step toward bridging the digital divide and fostering greater connectivity. This initiative promises not only to enhance the speed and reliability of internet access but also to revolutionize how businesses operate, how students learn, and how communities stay connected. By extending this critical infrastructure, we are empowering entrepreneurs, enabling digital education, and providing the tools for our youth to compete in a globalized world.

32. Our “Nigeria First” policy will further enhance progress as we consolidate market-driven growth. The improved economic performance is encouraging and validates the soundness of our policy measures. Our medium-term growth target remains an economy growing at a 7 per cent clip with a stronger manufacturing base. We must learn to produce and grow most of our food and we are on the path to achieving food sovereignty.

33. These and other reforms have placed the economy on a more rational footing where critical decisions regarding large-scale investment can now be made.

34. I ask you, the legislature, to join me as we enter the second half of our term to put forth innovative legislation that further encourages industrial development and job creation in our urban centres while also drafting laws that improve food security and production.

35. To further underpin our economic vision, we introduced a comprehensive Tax Reform Package, a vital component of our economic re- engineering. I am deeply grateful to both chambers for your thorough consideration and deliberation of these bills, and I look forward to signing them into law soon.

36. Again, your collaboration across party lines on these bills has been a model of democratic partnership.

37. As elected leaders, we must continue to do more to make real the dream of Nigeria’s political and economic democracy.

38. We must be vigilant in expanding the political space. We must always value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression and rights over might. Be tolerant and broad-minded in your legislative action regarding speech and civil liberties.

39. Do not be afraid to hear an unkind word spoken against you. Some of the best advice a politician gets sometimes comes from his most ferocious opponents. We dare not seek silence because the imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long term.

40. While malicious slander and libel should not go unattended, no one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names. Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults. Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members.

41. Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive. And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.

42. Mr. Chairman, Nigeria is at an inflexion point, undergoing structural and fundamental change toward a secure future.

43. Our administration is fully committed to boosting the economy’s productive base. Through investment in critical infrastructure, roads, expansion of port operations, rail, and power we are creating a new environment in which industry and manufacturing can thrive. Our tax and fiscal policy reforms will streamline tax administration and eliminate burdensome and multiple taxes enabling our industrialists and entrepreneurs to operate in a more conducive environment.

44. Governance must work and deliver value to the people. As part of our tax reforms, we have provided small businesses with an exemption and established the Office of the Tax Ombudsman to ensure transparency and protect taxpayer rights. Digital tools now help us track performance and reduce waste. The Diaspora Bond and Non-Resident BVN are bringing Nigerians abroad into the national development fold.

45. In line with my promise during my New Year address to the nation, I recently appointed the board of directors of the newly established National Credit Guarantee Company. The company, backed with 100 billion naira in initial capital; with BOI, which, by the way, is performing very well in supporting SMEs, NSIA, CreditCorp, and MOFI as stakeholders, will play a significant role in transforming the nation’s industrial landscape and reducingcorruption.

46. National Security is the foundation of peace and progress. We have intensified security operations to reclaim communities from criminals and terrorists. We are better at coordinating intelligence, and inter-agency cooperation has improved. Our highways are safer, and we invest in technology and training to secure every inch of this country.

47. Let us take this opportunity to thank the men and women of our Armed Forces for their bravery in service of the nation. Their selfless dedication to protecting our sovereignty and ensuring the safety of citizens should serve as an inspiration to us all. As we celebrate the progress of our democracy, we must not forget the pivotal role they play in safeguarding our freedoms. For their courage and commitment, they deserve not only our gratitude but also our continued support, prayers and recognition.

48. Fellow compatriots, our achievements are not the work of one man. They are the result of a collective effort to make possible the Nigerian Dream. Yet, the journey is not over. We must work even harder to translate broad macroeconomic gains into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. We must stay the course, reject cynicism, and believe Nigeria can and will rise again.

49. As we mark a twenty-sixth year of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who have made sacrifices in the past, braving all the odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country.

50. In this light, I announce the conferment of the posthumous national honour of CFR on Kudirat Abiola, the heroine of the June 12 struggle.

51. I also confer posthumous national honours on Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa. Alfred Rewani (CFR), Bagauda Kaltho (OON), Chima Ubani (OON), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Alao Aka Bashorun (CON), Chief Frank Kokori (CON), Emma Ezeazu (OON), Bamidele Aturu (OON), Fredrick Fasehun (CON), Professor Festus Iyayi (CON), Dr John Yima Sen (OON), Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON), Dr. Edwin Madunagu (CON), Dr. Alex Ibru (CON), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Pa. Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON) and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).

52. I also confer national honours on Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), the journalist and journalism teacher; Kunle Ajibade (OON); Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), Barrister Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON), Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Hon. Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr Nick Dazang (OON), Hon Abdul Oroh (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Barrister Felix Morka (CON) Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON), Hon. Olawale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON), Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR), Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON), Prof. Bayo Williams (CON), Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR), and Sen. Ame Ebute (CFR).

53. Additionally, I confer the national honour of CON on Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, a legendary journalist and publisher who remains true to his lifetime calling as he marks his 90th birthday tomorrow, June 13.

54. Furthermore, I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine and his fellow travellers, Saturday Dobee (OON), Nordu Eawo (OON), Daniel Gbooko (OON), Paul Levera (OON), Felix Nuate (OON), Baribor Bera (OON), Barinem Kiobel (OON), and John Kpuine (OON). I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State.

55. Finally, it is my great privilege to now decorate the presiding officers of the National Assembly with the National Honours earlier conferred upon them last year:Presiding National Assembly OfficersSenator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON – SENATE PRESIDENTRt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON – SpeakerSenator Jibrin Ibrahim Barau, CFR – DEPUTY SENATE PRESIDENTRt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR – Deputy Speaker

56. In conclusion, let us rededicate ourselves to the ideals of June 12; freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice, active citizen participation, and a just society where no one is oppressed.

57. Happy Democracy Day, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and protect our troops.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFRPresident, Commander-in-Chief of The Armed Forces,Federal Republic of Nigeria

…Urges Citizens To Strengthen Resolve To Protect Nation’s Democracy

As the nation marks the 2025 Democracy Day, the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has saluted Nigerians, urging them to rekindle the spirit of unity, civic responsibility and democratic engagement, even as he restated commitment to inclusive governance.

The Governor in a message to commemorate the historic day, described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey toward democratic governance, calling it “a solemn reminder that democracy is not gifted, it is earned.”

He also urged the citizens to strengthen resolve to protect the nation’s democracy.

The message reads, “Today, we celebrate as one people, united in history, in hope, and in purpose,” the governor declared, as he paid glowing tribute to the heroes of the 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the country’s history but sadly annulled.

He acknowledged the sacrifices of pro-democracy champions, singling out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as one of the foremost figures whose relentless struggle helped birth the democratic freedoms Nigerians now enjoy.

“The sacrifices made by pro-democracy heroes, including our father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, must never be forgotten,” Ododo said.

While reaffirming Kogi State’s unwavering commitment to the democratic ideals of inclusion, justice, and accountability, Governor Ododo pledged to continue leading a people-centered administration that delivers concrete results in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and security.

“We’re not only beneficiaries of the democracy earned through the blood and sweat of our heroes; we are stewards of its promise,” he affirmed.

The governor stressed that democracy thrives when it’s participatory and accountable.

He noted that his administration remains focused on building strong institutions, promoting transparency, and empowering citizens—especially the youth—to take an active role in governance.

“To our youth, you are not the leaders of tomorrow; you are the true guardians of our democracy today. This democracy belongs to you,” he charged.

The Governor also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society actors, and public servants to lead by example, stating that democracy is best measured not by titles or rhetoric, but by tangible results that improve the lives of the people.

“Let’s remember that democracy is strengthened not by titles, but by service…not by rhetoric, but by results,” he said.

The Kogi State Chief Servant urged citizens to remain vigilant against forces that threaten national unity, stressing the importance of defending democratic values from “disruption, division, and all other tendencies that undermine national interest.

”In a reaffirmation of alignment with national development goals, the governor pledged full support for the policies and programmes under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In conclusion, the Governor pledged to continue working “day and night” to protect the rights and freedoms of all residents of Kogi State, ensuring they can live and work in safety and dignity.

“Let’s rise together in the spirit of nationhood. Let us stand together in the pursuit of progress. Let’s walk together on the path of peace, equity, and sustainable development,” the governor urged.

….As Take It Back Protesters gather.

A clash between protesters and security operatives looms today, Thursday, June 12, as the Take It Back Movement, the rally organisers, has resolved to carry out a demonstration at the National Assembly, Abuja and 19 other locations across the country during the June 12 celebrations.

President Bola Tinubu addresses a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives today as part of Democracy Day activities, setting the stage for a combustible situation, reports The PUNCH.

Tinubu had cancelled the previously scheduled nationwide broadcast in commemoration of Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day anniversary.

The Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday, attributed the change to the President’s scheduled attendance at a joint session of the National Assembly today.

He added that the president would instead deliver his Democracy Day address directly from the National Assembly chambers.

“Due to President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled attendance at the National Assembly Joint Session, the Presidential National Broadcast on June 12 has been cancelled.

President Tinubu will deliver his address from the National Assembly,” Imohiosen said.

On the heels of the planned nationwide rallies, the police and other security agencies have beefed up security across the country.

The protest organisers confirmed to our correspondent their intention to take their campaign against economic hardship to the political leaders.

The group earlier planned to rally against the tough reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration at Eagle Square, but later announced a change of venue.

The protest, which is expected to draw participants from various civil society groups, is aimed at dragging attention to what the organisers described as “two years of misrule, hardship, and insecurity” under Tinubu’s government.

Speaking yesterday, National Coordinator, Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the shift in protest location did not alter the objective of the demonstration.

“That we earlier said the protest would hold at the Eagle Square doesn’t foreclose the fact that Nigerians cannot organise themselves at the National Assembly to protest the two years of misrule under Tinubu,” Sanyaolu said.“

The unprecedented hardship and insecurity we have experienced under his government are alarming. So, Nigerians will be turning out nationwide to protest against this, and the National Assembly is one of those spaces where Nigerians can exercise their constitutional rights.

We are encouraging Nigerians to move there in their numbers tomorrow (today).”

Sanyaolu cited rising poverty, rampant insecurity, and lack of democratic accountability as key grievances.

“All Nigerians from different walks of life have been mobilised, Nigerians are coming to the streets tomorrow (today) to demand an end to bad governance.“

Nigerians have nothing to lose. Nigerians have been beaten and battered. We are like people who are on the ground; we should have no fear of falling. It is also their constitutional right to protest.

“They have no reason to fear. The worst has happened, and the only way to stop the escalating level of our sorrow, tears and blood they are witnessing is to actually do something by protesting tomorrow. We have nothing to fear and we have nothing to lose but our chains.”

The activist said despite the attacks on some coordinators in Lagos, Gombe, Bauchi and Edo, among others, the protest would go on as scheduled.

“Presently, there has been a nationwide attack on organisers, but we are not deterred. The Bauchi state executives of TIB are being hounded by the police.

“In Gombe, Cross-River, Edo and Lagos, our coordinators are being hounded. We are convinced the only way to end the era of worse governance is defiance; that is what we are going to be doing fearlessly,” he noted.

Sanyaolu, however, cautioned security agencies, particularly police, against arresting or violating the rights of citizens to protest.

The Director of Mobilisation for the protest in the Federal Capital Territory, Michael Adenola, said the movement had gained momentum among young Nigerians who are angered by the worsening economic conditions and government neglect.“

Preparations are in order. Many Nigerian youths, who have expressed frustration over the spate of killings in the country, mass unemployment, and underfunded education, have shown commitment to participate in the protest.“

Other civil society organisations have also committed to mobilising their members. Expect thousands on the streets of Abuja.”

Adenola also cautioned the security agencies to respect the constitutional rights of protesters and refrain from using force.

“Again and again, men of our security agencies have shown themselves to be uncivilised by attacking protesters unprovoked. Our call to them is to at least pretend they are civilised.

“There is no reason to bring lethal weapons to the protest grounds. Take them to Sambisa or Plateau State to combat the real insecurity, not against protesters who are civilly demanding their rights,” he added.

When asked about the police plan to manage the protest, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, referred our correspondent to the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh.

However, Adeh did not respond to calls or messages as of the time of filing this report but he FCT Commissioner of Police, Adewale Ajao, assured law-abiding citizens of protection during the protest.

He said, “We are still on engagement and discussion, until then, we won’t know. We want to advise all law-abiding citizens that they should go about their lawful businesses without harassment from anybody. We urge Nigerians to be orderly. Everybody’s right must be respected.”

Meanwhile, Sanyaolu said the protest would take place in at least 20 locations nationwide.

“In Abuja, we will converge at Eagle Square by 8.00 am. In Lagos, we have four locations: Badagry, Maryland, Agbara, and Toll Gate, all starting by 7am.

“In Akure, Ondo State, we will gather at Cathedral Junction by 8am, and in Benin City, Edo State, at the Museum Ground by 9am. In Niger State, the venue is Gida Matasa at 8am.“

In Yobe, we will meet at the Maiduguri Bypass Roundabout in Damaturu by 7:30am, while in Oyo State, it is Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan by 8am.

“In Bauchi, the protest will be held opposite the Bauchi School of ACR, Yelewam Makaranta, by 8 am.

In Osun State, it will be at Olaiya Junction in Osogbo,” Sanyaolu explained.