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FULL TEXT: Tinubu’s 2026 Democracy Day speech
Today, we celebrate not only democracy but also the enduring Nigerian spirit. 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.
To our young people: Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship.
To our armed forces, police, and intelligence services: Nigeria salutes your sacrifice. To our traditional rulers, faith leaders, and community heads: thank you for your support of peace and reconciliation. The government cannot do it alone.
Today, we honour 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 a mirage. 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 N5.41 trillion—our largest ever—to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people.
We have moved from training with our 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.
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.
At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.
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.
As beneficiaries of their struggle, we have a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought. The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable.
June 12, 1993, revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. 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.
The reforms we are undertaking were not chosen for ease, but for necessity. Three years ago, our public finances were under severe strain, investment was discouraged, and economic uncertainty threatened our 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.
Domestic refining capacity has increased, strengthening energy security and reducing our reliance on imported petroleum products.
By 2023, when we came on board, 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. 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 N4 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. Electricity is a democratic dividend we owe every Nigerian. We intend to deliver it.
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.
Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence—the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity.
Let us move forward together—rejecting division, cynicism, and despair; embracing unity, hope, and confidence. Let us build 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.
I am also pleased to announce national awards to the following Nigerians, who suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today.
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
Ose Osayande
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
Gbemiga Ogunleye
Muyiwa Adekeye
Babajide Kolade-Otitoju
Ike Okonta
We also recognise the soldier-democrats of the June 12 struggle:
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;
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.
The honours list will be released in the next few days.
Fellow Nigerians, 27 years ago, many doubted democracy would survive here because of our diversity. Today, our diversity sustains our democracy. 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.
BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria
News
Deputy Speaker Kalu breaks silence on N780m Budget controversy, says Fund not meant for Churches alone
Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has said that the N780m (seven hundred and eighty million naira) featured in the 2026 Federal budget was not solely earmarked for procurement of church musical instruments in his Bende Federal constituency, as being circulated in news.
Kalu was reacting to the social media reports which alleged that one billion naira had been set aside to purchase church musical instruments in the Deputy Speaker’s constituency in Bende.
A statement issued on Wednesday by Levinus Nwabuhiogu, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, said that the actual amount involved in the budget proposal was N780 million after Vat and other tax deductions.
He said that more than 130 churches in Bende were to receive between N5m and N6m each as support for first phase youth re-orientation and social support programmes delivered evangelistically through faith-based organizations in Bende federal constituency of Abia State.
The Deputy Speaker noted that the equipment of churches was to expand existing youth engagement platforms focused on character reform, discourage narcotics use, sexual offense and violent crimes among the youths.
“The funds are intended to support the purchase of evangelical instruments and public address systems to promote campaigns against vices like the spread of narcotics, sexual offences, violent crimes while instilling discipline, values, peace, and character development among young people in the communities”, the statement said.
Kalu, who said that the N780 million fund is yet to be released because the 2026 budget had not been implemented, noted that selected churches would be credited when procurement processes are concluded.
News
PFIPC Probe: Why Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Head of Service, Accountant-General should step aside — Opara
The Chief of Staff to the President and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Accountant-General of the Federation have been called upon to step aside over their alleged links to the fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Making the call yesterday, Tuesday, July 21, 2026, lawyer and public affairs commentator Maxwell Opara, insisted that no public official should remain in office while under criminal investigation.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE News, Opara stated that the alleged establishment of the fake agency, the allocation of office space and the opening of bank accounts pointed to an already established criminal case that required equal treatment of all those implicated.
“There is an established crime. A fake agency was established. An office was given to the fake agency. An account was opened for the fake agency. Somebody was acting as a director in the fake agency.”
He maintained that while the alleged fake director had been arrested, other public officials mentioned in the investigation should not be treated differently.
“The Chief of Staff, the Head of Service and the Accountant-General are suspects. None of them is above the law.”
Opara criticised the decision to invite some officials for questioning while leaving them in office, arguing that such an approach could undermine public confidence in the investigation.
“If you have arrested somebody, these other suspects should be arrested like the principal suspect. Nobody is above the law.”
He further stated that public officials occupying sensitive positions should voluntarily step aside to allow an independent investigation.
“One expected all of them that are suspects in this matter to step down. If you cannot resign, step aside.”
According to him, remaining in office while under investigation creates the impression that those officials could influence the outcome of the probe.
“You cannot be a judge in your own case. People will see it as though you want to use your office to influence investigators.”
Responding to questions about evidence involving a deceased intermediary allegedly linked to financial transactions in the case, Opara said the courts would determine the weight of such evidence based on available testimony and documentary records.
“The court will decide based on the evidence presented, the testimony before it and the outcome of cross-examination.”
He also dismissed the Chief of Staff’s reported decision to pursue a defamation suit against the principal suspect, describing it as a distraction from the ongoing investigation.
“Rushing to court to sue for defamation is a distraction. The priority should be to step aside and allow the investigation to proceed.”
Opara expressed doubts about the outcome of the investigation, arguing that the seniority of those allegedly involved could affect the process.
“If they want Nigerians to believe they are fighting corruption, they should treat everybody equally. Nobody should be made a scapegoat.”
He concluded that public confidence in the investigation would depend on whether anti-corruption agencies applied the laws guiding impartially, regardless of the status or position of those implicated.
• MACBAN reacts, sues for peace
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the killing of four herders and the destruction of a cattle camp after suspected gunmen attacked a settlement in Ifite Awka Community, Awka South Local Government Area of the state.
The police said the attackers invaded the camp on Tuesday, killing four male victims, setting residential huts ablaze and slaughtering several cattle before fleeing the scene.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said a police-led Joint Security Team responded to the attack following a distress call.
According to him, the operatives discovered the bodies of four victims who had been brutally murdered.
“Preliminary observations revealed that the victims had their hands tied and sustained multiple injuries, including machete cuts and blunt force trauma. Also, two residential huts within the settlement were set ablaze during the attack,” Ikenga said.
The police spokesman added that officers also found four dead cows within the settlement, while two other cattle had been slaughtered, with parts of their meat removed by the attackers.
He disclosed that security operatives recovered sacks containing abandoned chunks of meat a short distance from the scene.
Ikenga said preliminary investigations indicated that the attackers were armed with sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, double-barrel guns and machetes.
He added that one survivor escaped unharmed and was assisting investigators with useful information that could help identify and arrest the perpetrators.
“The survivor is currently assisting the Police-led Joint Security Team with useful information that could aid the ongoing investigation,” he said.
The police command urged residents to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information, assuring that further updates would be communicated as investigations progress.
Following the attack, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) condemned the killings and appealed to its members to remain peaceful while security agencies investigate the incident.
In a statement signed by its National Deputy Director-General, Gidado Siddiki, the association identified the four victims as Mohammed Bujumi, Hassan Bujumi, Abubakar Bujumi and Sani Bujumi, saying they were members of the same family.
According to Siddiki, the attack occurred at the cattle camp of Alhaji Aminu Mohammed on Tuesday.
“According to reports, unknown armed assailants invaded the cattle camp while the herders were peacefully engaged in their legitimate cattle-rearing activities,” he said.
“The attackers opened fire sporadically, resulting in the deaths of four herders, namely Mohammed Bujumi, Hassan Bujumi, Abubakar Bujumi and Sani Bujumi.
“Several cattle were also killed during the attack, while the assailants reportedly fled with some of the cattle carcasses towards the nearby Mgbakwu Community.”
Siddiki disclosed that another herder, identified as Usman Iliyasu, narrowly escaped the attack.
Describing the incident as “heinous and senseless,” MACBAN called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, arrest those responsible and ensure they are prosecuted.
The association also urged the Anambra State Government to strengthen security across the state to safeguard lives and property.
While appreciating the prompt response of the Joint Task Force and the Anambra State Government in recovering the victims’ bodies, Siddiki appealed to members of the association not to resort to reprisals
“We urge everyone to cooperate fully with the security agencies and allow the government to carry out the necessary investigations and take appropriate action to ensure justice is served,” he said.
The latest attack has heightened concerns over security in Awka, the Anambra State capital, as authorities intensify efforts to track down those behind the killings.
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