President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday addressed a joint session of the National Assembly to mark Democracy Day, shifting from the usual national broadcast to a direct message before lawmakers.

Tinubu reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, urging unity, reform, and stronger collaboration between government arms. He paid tribute to June 12 heroes, including Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane, Anthony Enahoro, and Gani Fawehinmi, for their sacrifices. He also praised former President Muhammadu Buhari for recognizing June 12 as Democracy Day.

The President rejected claims of a plan to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, insisting on inclusive, competitive democracy. He called on political parties to uphold internal democracy and urged lawmakers to continue working for the public good, referencing the 2006 rejection of the third-term agenda as a proud moment for the National Assembly.

Tinubu highlighted the importance of moral leadership, referencing the First Lady’s and Vice President’s engagements with religious leaders, and called for prayers for national healing.

Despite rising economic hardship and ongoing protests, Tinubu assured Nigerians of his commitment to democratic values and national development. “We must not give in to despair,” he said. “This democracy is still young, but it is ours to protect and perfect.”

National honours were also conferred on notable Nigerians. Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) for their roles in promoting democracy and justice.

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