Democracy without security is not strong enough – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that democracy cannot thrive without adequate security, warning that national stability remains a prerequisite for meaningful governance and development.

The President made the statement on Friday during his Democracy Day address to Nigerians, where he reviewed the country’s democratic journey and ongoing security challenges.

Tinubu said the Federal Government had declared a security emergency in response to rising threats and had taken steps to strengthen the nation’s security architecture. These include the approval of recruitment for more than 50,000 police officers and additional military personnel to boost operational capacity across the country.

He also disclosed that the 2026 budget allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security, describing it as the largest security investment in Nigeria’s history.

According to him, his administration has intensified military operations against terrorist groups, while also adopting non-kinetic strategies that have led to the surrender of over 124,000 terrorists and their dependants since 2023 under Operation Safe Corridor.

Tinubu said security gains were being recorded, including a significant reduction in terror-related deaths and the dismantling of insurgent command structures in parts of the North-East.

However, he stressed that despite progress, the country must remain vigilant, adding that democracy loses its value when citizens cannot live in safety.

“Democracy without security is not strong enough,” the President implied through his broader remarks on the need for sustained peace, unity, and national cooperation.

He urged Nigerians to support security agencies, remain united, and avoid actions that could deepen divisions, insisting that collective effort is required to defeat insecurity and strengthen democratic governance.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring that democratic institutions continue to function effectively across the country.