President Bola Tinubu has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political parties to ensure peaceful, free, fair and credible governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, warning that democracy fails when citizens lose confidence in the electoral process.
The President gave the charge on Friday in his Democracy Day address to the nation as Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule since the return to civilian governance in 1999.
Tinubu said the forthcoming elections in the two states presented another opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions and deepen public confidence in the electoral system.
“In the coming days, Ekiti and Osun States will hold elections. I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible. Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process,” he said.
The President described Nigeria’s 27 years of civilian rule as the longest stretch of democratic governance in the country’s history, noting that Nigerians have consistently chosen their leaders through the ballot, witnessed peaceful transitions of power and resolved disagreements through courtrooms and legislative chambers rather than violence.
“Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it,” he stated.
Tinubu also called on the National Assembly, the judiciary, the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) to continue serving as the guardrails of the republic.
“Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria,” he said.
Addressing young Nigerians, the President urged them to remain committed to the country and contribute to its development.
“Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship,” he said.
He commended members of the armed forces, police and intelligence agencies for their sacrifices and thanked traditional rulers, faith leaders and community heads for promoting peace and reconciliation across the country.
Tinubu also paid tribute to Nigerians who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile and even death in the struggle for democracy, including late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.
According to him, the greatest tribute to the heroes of June 12 is to continue building a country where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunities are expanded and government remains accountable.
The President expressed confidence that despite the challenges confronting the nation, Nigerians would continue to defend democracy and work together to build a united and prosperous country.
“The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” he said.
