President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday addressed a joint session of the National Assembly to commemorate Democracy Day, reaffirming his commitment to democratic ideals and highlights some of the key achievements of his administration over the past year.
In his speech, President Tinubu praised the resilience of Nigeria’s democracy since 1999 and paid tribute to pro-democracy figures, including Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, and others who “fought to restore democratic governance to Nigeria.”
“Year by year, election after election, every time we debate instead of battle… we preserve the institutions of democracy,” Tinubu said. “We weave the culture of democracy into the very fabric of our nation.”
He commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for institutionalizing June 12 as Democracy Day and posthumously recognizing MKO Abiola as the winner of the 1993 presidential election.
On One-Party State Allegations
In a notable section, President Tinubu dismissed speculations that the All Progressives Congress (APC) aims to establish a one-party state, describing such claims as unfounded.
“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,” he stated. “Nigeria will not become such a state now.”
He referenced his own political history, highlighting how he stood alone as the last progressive governor in the Southwest in 2003 amidst pressure from the then dominant ruling party. While welcoming recent defections to the APC from Delta and Akwa Ibom States, Tinubu emphasized that political competition must be preserved to ensure national well-being.
Economic Progress and Reforms
The President outlined a series of economic reforms he said have begun yielding results. According to Tinubu. Nigeria’s GDP grew by 3.4% in 2024, with Q4 growth at 4.6% the highest in over a decades, inflation is easing, food prices are stabilizing, and foreign reserves have increased fivefold and the Naira has stabilized, and the balance of payments is positive.
He also highlighted efforts to promote consumer credit, stating that over 100,000 Nigerians including 35,000 civil servants have benefited from loans through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP). A new initiative targeting 400,000 young Nigerians is set to launch in July.
Other key policy areas mentioned include; Expansion of fibre optic infrastructure to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide, support for youth education, vocational training, and internships via NELFUND,a renewed focus on manufacturing and food sovereignty under the “Nigeria First” policy and comprehensive Tax Reform Package, which Tinubu pledged to sign into law following legislative approval.
Legislative Partnership and Democratic Values
The President urged lawmakers to continue working across party lines to pass innovative legislation on industrial development, food security, and job creation. He praised the National Assembly’s past role in defending democratic norms, referencing their resistance to the 2006 third-term agenda and the application of the “doctrine of necessity” in 2010.
Tinubu also called for tolerance and the protection of civil liberties, stating that democratic progress requires the freedom to criticize leaders without fear of repression. “Call me names… I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so,” he affirmed.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, President Tinubu described the nation as being at an “inflexion point,” undergoing structural changes to ensure long-term stability and prosperity.
“Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive,” he said. “This means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.”
Read the full text here > President Tinubu’s Speech at the National Assembly in Commemoration of Democracy Day