President Bola Tinubu has called on electoral officials, security agencies and political actors to ensure a peaceful, free and credible governorship election in Osun State, warning that democracy suffers when citizens lose confidence in the electoral process.

The President made the call on Friday, June 12, in his nationwide broadcast to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, where he also urged stakeholders in neighbouring Ekiti State, which is equally preparing for governorship elections, to uphold democratic values and protect the integrity of the polls.

“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,” Tinubu said.

The President’s remarks come as political activities intensify across Osun State ahead of the August governorship election, with parties mobilizing supporters and presenting their candidates to the electorate.

Beyond the electoral process, Tinubu used the Democracy Day address to urge Nigerians to remain committed to the democratic ideals for which many heroes paid the ultimate price.

He described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey and paid glowing tribute to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other pro-democracy activists whose sacrifices paved the way for the country’s current democratic dispensation.

The President also appealed to young Nigerians to take active ownership of the nation’s future by participating in governance and contributing to national development.

“Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here,” he said.

Addressing the country’s security challenges, Tinubu acknowledged that this year’s Democracy Day celebration was overshadowed by the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno States, but assured citizens that the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to restore safety across the country.

According to him, the administration has declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of over 50,000 police officers alongside thousands of military personnel to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.

He disclosed that the 2026 budget allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security, describing it as the largest security investment in Nigeria’s history.

The President further claimed that terrorism-related deaths had reduced significantly in recent years and that thousands of terrorists had either been neutralized or surrendered through government deradicalization programmes.

He warned bandits, kidnappers and terror financiers to abandon criminal activities or face decisive action from security agencies.

“Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” Tinubu declared.

On the economy, the President defended his administration’s reform policies, saying they were necessary to stabilise public finances and reposition the country for sustainable growth.

While admitting that many Nigerians continue to grapple with hardship, inflation and rising living costs, he maintained that the reforms were beginning to yield results through increased government revenues, improved investor confidence and growing investments in key sectors.

Tinubu said his administration remains focused on reducing inflation, boosting food production, creating jobs and improving the welfare of citizens.

“Many Nigerians still face economic hardship. We remain focused on reducing inflation, expanding food production, creating jobs, improving living standards and rebuilding confidence in our economy,” he said.

The President also highlighted efforts to improve electricity supply through the implementation of the Electricity Act, expansion of rural electrification projects and plans to address longstanding challenges in the power sector.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to local government autonomy, arguing that effective grassroots governance remains crucial to addressing insecurity and delivering development to communities.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Tinubu noted that the country has now enjoyed 27 consecutive years of civilian rule, the longest democratic period in its history.

He urged Nigerians to reject division and despair, expressing confidence that the country would overcome its challenges and achieve greater prosperity.

Nigeria marks Democracy Day annually on June 12 in honour of the annulled 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest poll in the nation’s history.