Tinubu vows to strengthen institutions, safeguard democracy

President Bola Tinubu. Photo: State House

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President Bola Tinubu on Monday restated his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, saying the effort is critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and promoting stability across the West African sub-region.

Tinubu spoke in Abuja at the 28th anniversary of the death of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, themed, “The Union We Hope to Become.”

He was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Paying tribute to Yar’Adua, the President said the late soldier and politician embodied conviction, patriotism, selflessness and a commitment to national service above personal interest.

Tinubu said the gathering was not only to honour Yar’Adua’s memory but to reflect on issues of justice, unity, accountability and leadership.

He added that his Renewed Hope Agenda draws from the same values the late general championed.

The President stated, “Our late compatriot, from the solitude of prison, without the certainty of tomorrow or the guarantee of justice, wrote letters holding us to responsibility by stressing that Nigeria must be governed by institutions stronger than individuals, principles, values, and justice.

“These convictions shaped the core of our efforts today to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold transparency, and build trust between government and citizens.

“As we put this powerful civic anthology, ‘Letters To The Union We Hope To Become,’ witness a new generation answering that same call. These writings echo the spirit of widening access to education, expanding economic opportunities, securing our nation, creating equal opportunities, empowering our youth, sustaining our leadership in the region, and restoring dignity to public service, to build a nation where every citizen matters, where no man is suppressed.”

He listed youth empowerment, support for small and medium enterprises, infrastructure improvement and social protection as key drivers of the government’s economic and governance reforms.

“Our administration’s pursuit of economic stabilisation, energy reform, food security, digital innovation, and social justice must therefore be anchored in the values we celebrate today.

“Permit me to mention that today, this administration is deliberately strengthening the institutions that safeguard our democracy, not just in our home, but also in our sub-region.

“Every aspect of this renewed opportunity is designed to build a nation, a union that is fairer, more secure, more prosperous, and governed by citizens’ trust,” Tinubu said.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who also spoke at the event, urged Nigerians to continue advocating for transparent governance and institutions that put citizens first.

He also encouraged Nigerian youths to respond not with anger, but with determination to bridge the nation’s divisions through dialogue rather than silence.

Atiku said Yar’Adua’s life demonstrated that democracy is sustained not only by elections but by strong institutions, integrity and citizens who are willing to act.

Atiku stated, “When the political tides turned dark, and the cost of conviction seemed unbearable, Shehu would remind us that every generation must pay its price for freedom.

“He never asked others to take a risk that he himself was unwilling to bear. He led from the front, fearless, thoughtful, and deeply humane.

“When men such as Shehu walk the earth, they leave footprints that endure. Though he departed too soon, the weight of his vision continues to whisper through our history and our hearts: a vision of Nigeria where service outshines ambition, and integrity conquers expedience.

“To speak of General Shehu Musa Yar’adua today is to address the ideals that still define our struggle for a just and united Nigeria. He was among the first to grasp the hard truth that democracy is not sustained by elections alone but by institutions, by integrity, and by citizens who care enough to act.

“In the movement we built together, Shehu taught us that leadership must never become an instrument of privilege; it must remain a vessel of service.”

He called for unity built on dialogue, empathy and fairness, adding that Nigeria’s diversity “is not a curse but its greatest blessing.”

“So, to every young Nigerian listening today, let me say this: You are not powerless. You cannot be spectators in your own nation’s story. You must be the authors, the dreamers, the doers, and the builders of a new Nigeria,” he said.

Abdulrahman has nearly ten years of experience reporting on political parties, elections, religion, civil society organizations, the Nigeria Governors Forum, and more

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