President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to guarantee peaceful and credible elections in Ekiti and Osun states. Both institutions must create conditions for voters to cast ballots freely and fairly, he insisted.
Ekiti residents will vote for a new governor on June 20 this year. Osun's election is scheduled for August 15.
Speaking during his June 12 nationwide broadcast on Friday, Tinubu stressed the importance of democratic integrity. "Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process," he said.
All political parties must commit to peaceful conduct, the President added. INEC and security officials bear primary responsibility for making this happen.
Tinubu called on the National Assembly, judiciary, media, and civil society groups to serve as democracy's guardians. "Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria," he told them.
Twenty-seven years ago, many doubted Nigeria's democracy would survive its diversity. Yet that same diversity has ultimately strengthened the nation's democratic institutions, he noted.
The President reflected on Nigeria's democratic journey since 1999. For nearly three decades, Nigerians have elected leaders through the ballot and resolved disputes peacefully.
According to him, "We bend, we bleed, but we do not break." Lessons from June 12 should remind Nigerians of their collective resilience.
Tinubu urged citizens to renew their commitment to the nation's founding principles. "The labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain," he stated.
He emphasized that government of the people, by the people, and for the people must endure. Nigeria's longest stretch of civilian rule stands as proof of democratic progress.
Democracy in Nigeria isn't flawless, Tinubu acknowledged. Still, it belongs to Nigerians and requires constant defense and strengthening.
Young people received a special message from the President. He urged them to stay in Nigeria and help build the nation.
"Nigeria is your home and your future," Tinubu told the youth. Building businesses, creating jobs, and voting are acts that strengthen the country.
Those who abandon ship don't build great nations, he added. Real progress comes from citizens committed to solving problems at home.
