Democracy Day: APC Chairman Yilwatda Urges Nigerians to Defend Democracy, Back Tinubu’s Reforms

By The Ameh News
As Nigerians marked the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on citizens to safeguard the nation’s hard-earned democratic freedoms and rally behind the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
In a Democracy Day message released on June 11, 2026, the APC chairman described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history and a symbol of the sacrifices made by patriots who fought for justice, electoral integrity, and the right of Nigerians to freely determine their leaders.
Yilwatda noted that Democracy Day goes beyond a ceremonial public holiday, stressing that it represents the triumph of the people’s will over oppression and remains a reminder of the nation’s collective struggle for democratic governance.
“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 him, the annual commemoration offers Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the country’s democratic journey, assess the progress made over the years, and renew their commitment to protecting institutions that uphold constitutional rule and democratic accountability.
Democracy Must Remain Stronger Than Personal Interests
The APC national chairman emphasized that democracy has created avenues for peaceful political participation, strengthened accountability in governance, safeguarded fundamental rights, and provided citizens with opportunities to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
He warned against actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s constitutional order, stressing that every generation bears a responsibility to defend democracy and preserve the sacrifices of those who fought for its survival.
“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.
Yilwatda urged political leaders, civil society groups, the media, religious institutions, youth organizations, and other stakeholders to continue promoting tolerance, dialogue, respect for the rule of law, and peaceful engagement in the democratic process.
APC Chairman Backs Tinubu’s Reform Agenda
The APC leader also used the occasion to reaffirm the party’s support for the economic and institutional reforms being implemented by President Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, while many of the reforms may require patience and temporary sacrifice from citizens, they are necessary steps toward securing long-term economic stability and sustainable national development.
“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 stated.
He added that history has consistently demonstrated that courageous leadership and difficult policy decisions often lay the groundwork for lasting national transformation.
Yilwatda maintained that ongoing reforms across key sectors of the economy are intended to strengthen institutions, stimulate job creation, improve the business environment, attract investments, and build a more competitive and inclusive economy capable of meeting the aspirations of Nigerians.
Call for Unity and National Renewal
The APC chairman appealed to Nigerians to remain hopeful despite prevailing economic and social challenges, urging citizens to unite behind the collective goal of building a stronger nation.
He warned against divisive tendencies, violence, and misinformation, describing them as threats to democratic stability and national cohesion.
“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,” he said.
According to him, the most fitting tribute Nigerians can pay to the heroes of June 12 is to preserve the democratic system they fought for and work collectively toward a peaceful, prosperous, and united country.
APC Reaffirms Commitment to Democratic Governance
Yilwatda concluded by wishing Nigerians a peaceful and memorable Democracy Day celebration while reaffirming the commitment of the APC to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting national unity, and supporting policies aimed at accelerating national development and prosperity.
The statement was endorsed by Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser to the APC National Chairman on Media and Information Strategy.
APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda has urged Nigerians to protect the nation’s democratic gains and support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope reforms, saying the policies are critical to long-term economic growth and national prosperity.