President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a significant Democracy Day address on June 12, 2025, at a joint session of the National Assembly, reflecting deeply on Nigeria’s democratic journey and the sacrifices that have shaped it.

In his speech, President Tinubu expressed a profound sense of accomplishment and resolve as he entered the National Assembly, describing it as a grand edifice built from the sweat and toil of Nigeria’s democratic yearning. He acknowledged how far the nation has come since 1999, rising from the ashes of military rule to establish democracy as the only mode of governance for the resilient Nigerian people. However, he also emphasized that much work remains to be done to strengthen and safeguard the democratic process.

Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment before God and the people to do all within his power to protect and build Nigeria’s democracy as intended by divine will. He paid tribute to the heroes of June 12, particularly former President Muhammadu Buhari, who in the past rectified a national misdeed by officially recognizing Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and Babagana Kingibe as the duly elected President and Vice President from the annulled 1993 elections. Since 2018, June 12 has been commemorated as Democracy Day to honor those sacrifices.

The President underscored the importance of democracy not merely as a system of governance but as a trust that must be protected by all sectors of society: youth, civil society, media, and every Nigerian citizen. He stressed that democracy should not be reduced to election days alone but must live in the nation’s values, institutions, and daily lives. He called for the preservation of the memory of June 12 and suggested the establishment of a “June 12 Living Archive” to house and teach the stories, struggles, and sacrifices of Nigeria’s democratic movement for future generations.

Tinubu also highlighted the need for national unity and collaboration among the different arms of government, urging lawmakers to focus on policies that uplift the poor, empower youth, strengthen the economy, and defend the dignity of every citizen. He acknowledged the challenges faced but expressed hope that Nigeria would never again betray the hopes of its people or lose the freedoms hard-won through struggle.