The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerians to safeguard the nation’s democratic gains and support the ongoing reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the country marked the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
In a recent statement i to commemorate June 12, Professor Yilwatda described Democracy Day as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic history, symbolizing the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of patriots who fought for justice, electoral integrity, and the sovereignty of the Nigerian people.
He said the annual observance serves as a reminder of Nigeria’s collective struggle for freedom, representative governance, and the right of citizens to determine the nation’s destiny through democratic processes.
“Democracy Day is not merely another public holiday; it is a solemn reminder of our collective struggle for freedom, representative government, and the right of every Nigerian to determine the destiny of our nation through democratic means,” he stated.
According to the APC chairman, June 12 provides an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s democratic journey while renewing their commitment to protecting institutions that uphold constitutional governance.
He noted that democracy has created avenues for peaceful political participation, enhanced accountability, protection of fundamental rights, and greater citizen involvement in nation-building.
Professor Yilwatda stressed that every generation bears the responsibility of defending democracy and preserving the sacrifices made by those who fought for its sustenance.
He warned against actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s constitutional order, emphasizing that the nation’s democratic system must remain stronger than individual ambitions or sectional interests.
The APC chairman also urged political leaders, civil society organizations, the media, religious bodies, youth groups, and other stakeholders to promote dialogue, tolerance, adherence to the rule of law, and peaceful participation in democratic processes.
Speaking on the country’s economic direction, Yilwatda called on Nigerians to continue supporting President Tinubu’s economic and institutional reforms, describing them as necessary steps toward achieving sustainable development and national prosperity.
He said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is aimed at repositioning Nigeria for economic stability, infrastructure development, improved social welfare, increased investment opportunities, and long-term growth.
According to him, although reforms may require patience and sacrifice, history has shown that courageous leadership and sound policy decisions often lay the foundation for lasting national progress.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fundamentally designed to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth, economic stability, infrastructure development, improved social welfare, expanded investment opportunities, and enhanced prosperity for future generations,” he said.
Yilwatda maintained that ongoing reforms across key sectors of the economy are intended to strengthen institutions, create jobs, improve the business environment, and build a more competitive and inclusive economy.
He appealed to Nigerians to remain hopeful, resilient, and united in pursuit of a stronger nation, while rejecting division, violence, misinformation, and actions capable of threatening democratic stability.
“Our greatest tribute to the heroes of June 12 is to preserve the democracy they fought for and work together to build a peaceful, prosperous, and united Nigeria for generations yet unborn,” he added.
The APC chairman further reaffirmed the party’s commitment to strengthening democratic governance, promoting national unity, and supporting policies that advance Nigeria’s development and prosperity.
The statement was signed by Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser to the APC National Chairman on Media and Information Strategy.
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