All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has urged Nigerians to protect the country’s hard-earned democracy and rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms as the nation marks Democracy Day on June 12.
In a press statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey that honours the courage of patriots who fought for justice, electoral integrity and the sovereignty of the people.
—“Democracy is not just a holiday”—
The APC chairman said Democracy Day should serve as a solemn reminder of the collective struggle for freedom and representative government.
“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. It is a celebration of resilience, hope, and the enduring belief that the people’s voice must always prevail,” Yilwatda stated.
He noted that democracy has given Nigeria the platform for peaceful political participation, greater accountability, protection of fundamental rights and opportunities for citizens to contribute to nation-building.
—Every generation must defend democracy—
Yilwatda stressed that the sacrifices of June 12 heroes must not be forgotten and warned against actions that could undermine constitutional order.
“Every generation has a responsibility to defend democracy. The sacrifices made by our democratic heroes should never be forgotten, nor should we allow actions capable of undermining our constitutional order. Regardless of our political affiliations or differences, Nigeria’s democracy must remain stronger than individual ambitions or sectional interests,” he said.
He called on political leaders, civil society, the media, religious institutions, youth groups and all stakeholders to promote dialogue, tolerance, respect for the rule of law and peaceful engagement.
–Back Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda–
The APC chairman urged Nigerians to support Tinubu’s bold economic and institutional reforms, saying meaningful transformation requires difficult but necessary decisions.
“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. While reforms may demand patience and sacrifice, history has consistently shown that courageous leadership and sound policy choices lay the foundation for lasting national progress,” Yilwatda noted.
He added that reforms across critical sectors are aimed at strengthening public institutions, creating jobs, improving the investment climate and building a more competitive, inclusive economy.
—Reject division, protect democratic gains—
Yilwatda appealed to citizens to remain hopeful, resilient and united behind the aspiration for a stronger nation.
“As we commemorate Democracy Day, let us remember that democracy flourishes only where citizens actively defend it with responsibility, patriotism, and respect for one another. Let us reject division, violence, misinformation, and actions capable of threatening our 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 said.
He wished all Nigerians a peaceful Democracy Day and reaffirmed APC’s commitment to strengthening democratic governance, promoting national unity and supporting policies that advance the progress of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
