10 key takeaways from Tinubu’s Democracy Day address

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday delivered a nationwide Democracy Day address marking 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule in Nigeria, highlighting democratic progress, security reforms, economic changes, and national unity.

Below are 10 major highlights from the President’s speech:

Tinubu first celebrated Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting that since 1999, the country has experienced uninterrupted civilian rule, peaceful transfers of power, and dispute resolution through democratic institutions rather than violence. He described democracy as imperfect but “ours,” urging Nigerians to continue defending and strengthening it.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, and stakeholders to ensure credible and peaceful elections, particularly the upcoming polls in Ekiti and Osun States.

The President also emphasized the role of democratic institutions, including the National Assembly, Judiciary, media, and civil society, describing them as essential “guardrails” of the republic and urging continued constructive criticism of government.

Tinubu directed a message to Nigerian youths, urging them to remain in the country, build their future locally, participate in governance, and contribute to national development rather than leaving the country.

On national security, he declared a security emergency and announced the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers alongside thousands of military personnel to strengthen internal security operations.

He disclosed that the 2026 budget includes N5.41 trillion for defence and security, describing it as the largest security allocation in Nigeria’s history.

The President revealed that over 124,000 terrorists and their dependants have surrendered since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor, while also noting significant reductions in terror-related deaths and ongoing military successes against insurgent groups.

Tinubu warned terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and their sponsors to surrender or face full military action, stating that the government’s window for voluntary surrender would not remain open indefinitely.

On economic reforms, he said his administration inherited fiscal instability in 2023 but has since implemented policies that restored investor confidence, increased revenues, and improved fiscal transparency across government levels.

He also highlighted reforms in the power sector, including the signing of the Electricity Act which allows states to generate and distribute electricity, alongside efforts to expand rural electrification and reduce metering deficits.

The President concluded by urging national unity, stating that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength. He said the current generation must move beyond securing independence and democracy to securing prosperity, while pledging continued efforts to ensure that democracy translates into improved living standards for citizens.