President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2025 Democracy Day address, delivered before a joint session of the National Assembly, was as much a reflection on Nigeria’s turbulent democratic journey as it was a call to action. Marking 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, Tinubu honored the sacrifices of pro-democracy icons while highlighting bold reforms aimed at economic revival, youth empowerment, and political inclusivity.
In a speech layered with historical depth, Tinubu paid homage to the martyrs and heroes of Nigeria’s democratic evolution, from the iconic Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and Alhaja Kudirat Abiola to Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine. Notably, he announced posthumous national honours for dozens of activists, journalists, and politicians, including the conferment of the CFR title on Kudirat Abiola and a state pardon for the Ogoni Nine, a symbolic gesture meant to heal old wounds and affirm Nigeria's commitment to justice.
Beyond names, Tinubu used this moment to reinforce that the battle for democracy was never confined to one tribe, region, or ideology. “The struggle was never the province of any one group or section of the country,” he declared, emphasizing that Nigeria’s democratic gains were forged in collective sacrifice.
Defending Democracy and Rejecting One-Party Rule
Addressing rumours of a looming one-party state, President Tinubu flatly denied any such ambition. He cited his political past as a lone opposition figure resisting political monopolies in the early 2000s. "To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be as a result of your panic, it rings in error. 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. I have never attempted to alter any political party registration with INEC. Equally, my friends, we cannot blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket." he said.
He welcomed defectors from opposition parties into the APC fold, including Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Umo Eno, but framed these movements not as a consolidation of authoritarianism but as a testament to his party’s appeal. Still, he left a stinging challenge to opposition parties: “Try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so.”
President Tinubu presented an optimistic assessment of Nigeria’s economy, crediting his administration’s reforms for a turnaround:
- GDP growth hit 4.6% in Q4 2024 — the highest in over a decade.
- Inflation is gradually easing, with improved food prices and exchange rate stability.
- Foreign reserves have increased fivefold, and Nigeria’s sovereign credit rating is on the rise.
- The CREDICORP initiative has already benefited over 100,000 Nigerians through consumer credit.
The administration is now set to scale up the programme, aiming to empower 400,000 more young Nigerians, including youth corps members, with credit access starting July.
Tinubu also reaffirmed his medium-term goal of 7% economic growth, driven by industrialisation, food sovereignty, and technology-driven governance. “We must learn to produce and grow most of our food, and we are on the path to achieving food sovereignty,” he stated.
A major highlight of the president’s vision is a nationwide fibre optic cable rollout, a game-changer in digital infrastructure that he says will “revolutionize how businesses operate, how students learn, and how communities stay connected.”
To deepen support for industries and small businesses, Tinubu unveiled:
- A new National Credit Guarantee Company with ₦100 billion in backing.
- A comprehensive Tax Reform Package designed to simplify tax administration and eliminate multiple levies.
- Tax exemptions for small businesses and the creation of the Office of the Tax Ombudsman to protect taxpayer rights.
Tinubu praised the Armed Forces for reclaiming territory from insurgents and improving highway safety. He promised continued investment in training and technology to secure “every inch of this country.” The president’s salute to the military wasn’t symbolic alone. He tied their sacrifice directly to the democratic freedoms Nigerians now enjoy, urging citizens to never take peace for granted.
One of the more striking passages of Tinubu’s speech was his embrace of dissent. In a country where journalists and critics have often been targeted, the president declared: “Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so.”
He cautioned lawmakers against legislating away freedoms under the guise of civility. “We dare not seek silence because the imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos,” he warned, underlining the need for tolerance and open dialogue in democratic governance.
Tinubu concluded his address with a sense of forward-looking resolve. With his administration halfway through its term, he called on lawmakers to “draft laws that improve food security, encourage industrial development, and make democracy real for the average Nigerian.”
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