Tinubu’s June 12 Address: Full Text of President’s Speech at National Assembly

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday delivered a historic Democracy Day address before a joint session of the National Assembly, marking the 2025 June 12 celebrations. Below is the full text of his speech:

Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Senators, Honourable Members, Fellow Nigerians—

It is with deep humility and honour that I stand before this joint session of the National Assembly—a body that represents the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.

As I walked into this chamber, I felt both pride and purpose. Pride in how far we’ve come as a democracy since 1999, and purpose in the work we must still do. From the ashes of military dictatorship, we’ve nurtured a thriving democratic system—one now firmly rooted in the will of our resilient citizens.

I ran for office to strengthen this democracy. Today, I reaffirm, before God and man, my absolute commitment to safeguarding and growing this system in line with the divine will.

Since 2018, Nigeria has marked June 12 as Democracy Day—an overdue recognition of those who paid the ultimate price to restore civil rule. I salute former President Muhammadu Buhari for making this a national reality and for posthumously recognizing Chief MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe as the true winners of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

While MKO Abiola remains the symbol of this day, many others—heroes like Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Ayo Adebanjo, Balarabe Musa, and others—deserve our eternal gratitude. Their sacrifice transcended region, religion, or ethnicity; it was a collective Nigerian fight for freedom.

This chamber—the people’s parliament—has a proud record of defending democracy. In 2006, you protected the constitution against an unconstitutional third term. In 2010, you invoked the doctrine of necessity to uphold succession. And even in 1993, when the National Assembly was dissolved by General Abacha, a few brave lawmakers reconvened in Lagos. I was among them, and we were jailed for it.

To those who fear a one-party state: let me be clear—this fear is unfounded. I do not support it now, nor did I in the past. In 2003, when the ruling party tried to dominate, I stood firm as the last opposition governor in my region. Political diversity is essential to our national wellbeing. Anyone seeking to join our party is welcome—but we shall never force unity through coercion.

True democracy thrives when there is room for competition, collaboration, and dissent. It demands that we listen to one another, even when the words sting. I will never suppress anyone’s right to speak—even if they insult me. In fact, I will call upon democracy to defend their right to do so.

Our administration took bold steps to reform the economy from day one. Despite the short-term pains, we’re seeing real progress. In 2024, our GDP grew 3.4%—with Q4 hitting 4.6%, the highest in a decade. Inflation is easing, the Naira has stabilized, and foreign reserves have increased fivefold. States no longer need loans to pay salaries.

We’ve launched a consumer credit scheme through CREDICORP, benefiting over 100,000 citizens. In July, 400,000 more Nigerians, including corps members, will benefit. NELFUND and investments in youth education, skills, and digital infrastructure—like the national fibre optic rollout—are positioning our youth for the future.

We aim to achieve 7% economic growth, driven by local manufacturing and food sovereignty. We are working hard to ensure Nigeria produces what it eats and grows what it needs.

Tax reforms are critical. We’ve streamlined tax administration, eliminated multiple taxation, and supported small businesses with exemptions. With your support, new legislation will further unlock industrial and agricultural potential.

On security, we’ve improved intelligence, inter-agency collaboration, and technology. Our roads are safer, and communities once held by terrorists are being reclaimed. Let us all honour our Armed Forces who risk everything to protect us. They are the unsung backbone of our democracy.

The Nigerian Dream cannot be the work of one man. It is our shared responsibility. Yes, we’ve made progress—but much remains to be done. We must now ensure that macroeconomic gains become real, tangible improvements for the average Nigerian.

As a token of gratitude, I am conferring posthumous and living national honours on a list of distinguished Nigerians who defended democracy with their lives, their pens, their voices, and their unwavering resolve.

Highlights include:

• Posthumous CFR for Alhaja Kudirat Abiola
• GCFR for Shehu Musa Yar’Adua
• CON for Prof. Humphrey Nwosu
• CON for Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, along with a full presidential pardon
• GCON for Prof. Wole Soyinka
• CON for journalists, activists, and politicians including Dapo Olorunyomi, Bayo Onanuga, Ayo Obe, Bishop Matthew Kukah, Femi Falana, and others
• Special recognition for Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, media pioneer, as he turns 90

Presiding officers of the National Assembly also received formal decoration for their honours conferred last year.

In closing, let us recommit ourselves to the ideals of June 12:

Freedom.
Transparent and accountable governance.
Social justice.
Active civic participation.
And a just society where no one is oppressed.

Happy Democracy Day.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and protect our gallant troops.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief
Federal Republic of Nigeria