President Bola Tinubu has reflected on Nigeria’s struggles to emerge from military rule and become the most populous democracy in Africa. The president’s reflection came as Nigeria celebrated 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.
In a televised address to the country on Wednesday, June 12, Tinubu urged Nigerian leaders to be committed to the values of inclusivity, accountability, and transparency. He added that such would guarantee a flourishing democracy that could be endured for the unborn generations.
In 1999, Nigeria returned to democratic dispensation with former President Olusegun Obasanjo being elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). At the same time, Tinubu was elected as the governor of Lagos state from the leading opposition party, Alliance for Democracy (AD).
Tinubu has played the opposition role in the country’s democracy since 1999 from AD to Action Congress (AC) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the two parties he spearheaded their formation hereafter.
In 2015, Tinubu’s ACN formed an alliance with several other political parties in the country to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) to defeat the PDP, which had ruled the country for 16 years.
President Tinubu is currently on the journey to completing 12 years of APC leadership in the country, and his tenure will be completed on May 29, 2027.
Below are the seven key highlights from the speech:
Nigeria is celebrating 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, marking a significant milestone since the end of military rule in 1999.
President Tinubu highlighted the significance of this milestone in his address.
The president honoured the sacrifices of key figures in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, including Chief MKO Abiola, who won the annulled 1993 election, and many others who fought for democratic freedoms, both those who lost their lives and those who endured hardships in exile.
The president said democracy is more than holding periodic elections; it is a way of life that encompasses broader values and principles.
Transparent, open, and fair elections are crucial, but true democracy involves respecting diverse perspectives and resolving differences through dialogue rather than force.
President Tinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s economic challenges and emphasized the need for reforms to strengthen the country’s foundation for future growth.
He highlighted efforts to negotiate a new national minimum wage and stressed the importance of economic democracy alongside political democracy.
The president vowed to protect the rights, freedoms, and liberties of Nigerian citizens and committed to working towards a Nigeria where no one is oppressed.
He emphasized the importance of cooperation, reasoned discussion, and principled compromise in governance.
President Tinubu announced negotiations with organized labour to establish a new national minimum wage. An executive bill to enshrine this agreement into law is soon to be sent to the National Assembly.
He said this demonstrates a commitment to addressing workers’ welfare through dialogue and cooperation rather than conflict.
The president highlighted his government’s approach to the recent labour strike, emphasising cooperation over conflict.
