Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, vigilance and active citizenship as the country marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance on June 12, 2026.
In a Democracy Day message released by his office, Akpabio commended Nigerians for sustaining democracy despite “low moments” and years of agitations.
He said the country’s democratic experiment remains a testimony of endurance.
“On behalf of the 10th National Assembly, I congratulate every Nigerian for the sustenance of democracy for close to three decades. Mistakes have been made in the course of this journey but we will surely get to the desired destination with your support,” Akpabio said in the statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Rt. Hon. Eseme Eyiboh.
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–Democracy beyond elections–
Akpabio warned against forces seeking to derail the democratic process and urged citizens not to give in “to attempts by elements of backwardness, whose sole aim is to derail the process.”
He stressed that democracy must go beyond voting and be anchored on accountability, justice, compassion and service to the common good.
The Senate President also charged young Nigerians to get involved in politics, describing them as the fulcrum of leadership succession.
“As we commemorate June 12, I wish to encourage the youth not to sit on the fence but be active participants in the nation’s political activities. The youths constitute the fulcrum of those who will succeed us tomorrow,” he said.
—Call for unity against insecurity—
Addressing the country’s security crisis, Akpabio appealed for national unity and cooperation with government to “tame the monster that has befallen the nation.”
He assured Nigerians that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remains committed to ending insecurity and securing the release of all persons in captivity.
“I urge every Nigerian to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in her efforts in fighting terrorism. We understand the pains you are going through but the government is not resting on its oars and hopefully we shall overcome this current challenge and all will be well with Nigeria,” Akpabio stated.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the ideals of freedom, transparency, accountable government, social justice and active citizen participation, especially among the youth.
