June 12, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that despite the economic and security challenges facing the nation, the country’s resilience remains unshaken, declaring that Nigerians will overcome present difficulties and emerge stronger.
In his nationwide Democracy Day broadcast on Friday, commemorating 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, the President urged citizens to remain hopeful and united as his administration continues efforts to address insecurity, economic hardship, and national development challenges.
“The road ahead is steep, but Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” Tinubu stated.
Reflecting on the significance of June 12, the President paid tribute to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other pro-democracy heroes whose sacrifices helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Tinubu acknowledged that ongoing security concerns, including recent abductions in parts of the country, have cast a shadow over this year’s celebrations. However, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and protecting citizens.
The President issued a strong warning to bandits, kidnappers, terrorists, and their sponsors, declaring that the government’s policy of surrender and rehabilitation would not remain open indefinitely.
“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. No mercy will be shown to those who continue to shed innocent blood,” he warned.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria’s security forces have intensified intelligence-driven operations against terrorist groups, recording significant successes in dismantling criminal networks and weakening insurgent strongholds.
He stated that terror-related deaths have declined significantly in recent years and revealed that thousands of insurgents have surrendered through the Federal Government’s deradicalisation and rehabilitation programme, Operation Safe Corridor.
The President also called on Nigerians to reject divisive narratives, stressing that criminality should not be associated with any ethnic group.
“Crime has no ethnicity. We must remain united in our determination to defeat those who threaten our peace and stability,” he said.
On democracy and governance, Tinubu urged stakeholders to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly ahead of the forthcoming elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
He emphasized that public confidence in elections remains critical to democratic growth, warning that democracy is endangered when citizens lose trust in the voting process.
The President further highlighted ongoing economic reforms, noting that increased government revenues are being channelled into infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and support for state and local governments.
He concluded by encouraging Nigerians to remain optimistic despite current hardships, expressing confidence that the country is on the path toward greater stability, prosperity, and national renewal.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of Democracy Day events and key national developments across Nigeria.
