President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a Democracy Day address to a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, June 12, 2025. In his speech, Tinubu reflected on the country’s progress since the return of democracy in 1999 and highlighted the importance of preserving democratic institutions.

“With every footstep I took through these hallowed halls up to the moment I now stand before you, I remembered that we still have much further to go,” Tinubu said. “To achieve this progress, we sought an elective office to lead this nation forward. Thus, I hereby affirm before our Merciful and Almighty God and all men my resolve to do all that I can to safeguard and build our democracy as the Divine hand intends for us to do.”

Tinubu paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari for making June 12 Democracy Day and acknowledging Chief Moshood Abiola and Babagana Kingibe as the winners of the June 12, 1993 elections. He also honored the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy, including Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane.

The President emphasized the importance of cooperation between the executive and legislative branches of government, saying, “I pledge myself to this cooperation and ask that you do the same for the good of our people.” He also highlighted the country’s economic progress, citing a 3.4% GDP growth in 2024 and a fivefold increase in net foreign reserves.

Tinubu announced the conferment of national honors on several individuals, including Prof. Wole Soyinka, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and Senator Shehu Sani. He also conferred posthumous national honors on Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine.

The President assured Nigerians that his administration is committed to boosting the economy’s productive base and improving the lives of ordinary citizens. “We must work even harder to translate broad macroeconomic gains into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

Tinubu concluded by rededicating himself to the ideals of June 12, including freedom, transparency, and social justice. “Let us rededicate ourselves to the ideals of June 12; freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice, active citizen participation, and a just society where no one is oppressed,” he said.