RismadarVoice Reporters, June 12, 2026
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has called on Nigerians to strengthen national unity, deepen their commitment to democratic values and support ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to tackle insecurity across the country.
In a Democracy Day message issued on Friday to mark 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria, Akpabio congratulated Nigerians for sustaining the nation’s democratic journey despite numerous challenges and periods of political uncertainty.
The statement, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, was issued on behalf of the 10th National Assembly.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic experience since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Akpabio acknowledged that the nation had faced setbacks and made mistakes but expressed optimism about the country’s future.
He urged citizens to remain steadfast in supporting democratic institutions and resist attempts by individuals or groups seeking to undermine the nation’s democratic process.
According to the Senate President, democracy should not be measured solely by periodic elections but by the extent to which governance promotes accountability, justice, compassion and service to the people.
“Democracy must transcend the mere conduct of elections. It should be anchored on accountability, justice, compassion and service to the common good,” he stated.
Akpabio also used the occasion to encourage greater participation of young Nigerians in the country’s political process, describing them as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s future development.
“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,” he said.
On the issue of insecurity, the Senate President called for collective action and cooperation between citizens and government institutions to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats facing the country.
He urged Nigerians to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring that the government remains committed to restoring peace, protecting lives and securing the release of persons held in captivity by criminal elements.
While acknowledging the economic and security challenges confronting many citizens, Akpabio maintained that the government was working diligently to address the country’s problems and build a more secure and prosperous future.
The Senate President’s Democracy Day message comes as Nigeria marks another anniversary of the historic June 12 struggle, widely regarded as a defining symbol of the nation’s commitment to democratic governance and the rule of law.
He called on Nigerians to remain hopeful, resilient and united in the pursuit of national progress, stressing that the success of democracy depends on the active participation and collective responsibility of all citizens.
