Tinubu Addresses Nigeria on Democracy Day, Vows to Rescue Abducted Citizens

President Bola Tinubu on Friday, June 12, 2026, delivered a nationwide broadcast at 7:00 a.m. on the NTA Network Service and addressed a joint session of the National Assembly as Nigeria marked its 27th Democracy Day anniversary, pledging stronger government action on insecurity, promising the rescue of all abducted citizens, and calling on Nigerians to remain united as the country continues its reform journey.

The presidential broadcast, announced by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga on Thursday night, was carried simultaneously by all television stations across the country at the request of the Presidency. It was one of the most anticipated Democracy Day addresses in recent memory, given the scale of public pressure the administration faces over insecurity, the Oyo school abduction, and the cost of living crisis.

Tinubu acknowledged that insecurity had been a painful reality for many Nigerians and described the abductions of schoolchildren as heartbreaking reminders that more work remained to be done. He assured citizens that securing the release of those still in captivity was a top priority and that security agencies were being fully resourced to pursue, rescue, and protect Nigerians. ‘Nigeria will not bow to terrorists and bandits,’ Tinubu declared, echoing a refrain that has defined his administration’s security communication throughout the year.

Economic Reforms Taking Hold

On the economy, the President pointed to real GDP growth of 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in Q1 2026 as evidence of a positive trajectory. He cited the signing of four major tax reform laws in June 2025, the S&P credit rating upgrade from B-minus to B, Nigeria’s external reserves approaching $50 billion, and the NGX crossing the N100 trillion market capitalisation milestone as signs of a strengthening economic foundation.

He acknowledged that inflation had been painful for ordinary Nigerians but said it was on a downward trend. ‘Government recognises that inflation has been painful, although it is on a downward trend,’ he said, adding that over three million vulnerable households had benefited from the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme and that more than one million students had accessed the Student Loan Scheme since it was signed into law.

Furthermore, the President pledged to continue the reforms that had already been set in motion, telling Nigerians that the government’s work was not yet finished. ‘Our task is not completed yet and, under our leadership, Nigeria is a huge viable project and it is work in progress,’ he said in the address. Still, critics noted that the speech did not contain specific timelines or new policy announcements on insecurity, leaving some Nigerians underwhelmed by its content. Notably, a nationwide protest had been called for the same day by civil society and activist groups, adding to the political tension surrounding the Democracy Day celebration. Consequently, June 12, 2026 became one of the most politically charged Democracy Day observances Nigeria has held in years.

SGF Hails 27 Years of Unbroken Democracy

Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, who represented the President at the National Inter-Denominational Church Service earlier in the week, had congratulated Nigerians on 27 uninterrupted years of democratic governance since 1999. He said the feat was one of the longest democratic experiences on the African continent and paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12, 1993 struggle whose sacrifices made civilian rule possible.