PRESS RELEASE

June 12, 2026

DEMOCRACY DAY: TINUBU'S REFORMS TICK ALL BOXES, SAYS BAT-IG

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG) joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating the 2026 Democracy Day and commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating uncommon courage in leadership and commitment in addressing long-standing national challenges through bold reforms and institutional strengthening.

As Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, President Tinubu's administration continues to take decisive steps aimed at deepening democracy, improving security, revitalising the economy and strengthening governance structures. Most recently, the President assented to the Police Reform Bill, further underscoring his commitment to building strong institutions capable of delivering security, justice and and restore public confidence.

Under President Tinubu's leadership, Nigeria has witnessed significant progress in the security sector. The administration allocated a record ₦5.41trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget, the highest security appropriation in the nation's history. More than 50,000 police officers have been recruited alongside thousands of military personnel to strengthen frontline operations. Through strategic counter-terrorism efforts, over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised, while more than 124,000 fighters and their dependents have surrendered and been disarmed through Operation Safe Corridor. These interventions have contributed to a substantial reduction in terror-related casualties across the country.

In the area of economic management, the administration has restored fiscal stability, enhanced revenues available to states and local governments, improved transparency in public finance and attracted significant investments into agriculture, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation, energy and the creative sector. Non-oil exports have also recorded remarkable growth, while over 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises have been certified for participation in international trade.

The President's commitment to infrastructure and energy reforms remains unequalled . Through the historic Electricity Act, states now possess the legal authority to generate, transmit and distribute electricity independently. The administration has also moved to address legacy challenges in the power sector through a ₦4 trillion bond initiative while expanding rural electrification projects to underserved communities, markets, hospitals and educational institutions nationwide.

Agriculture and grassroots development have similarly received renewed attention. The ongoing deployment programme of 10,000 tractors under the National Agricultural Development Fund is expected to boost mechanized farming and food production. Equally important is the administration's support for the financial autonomy of Nigeria's 774 local government councils, a reform widely regarded as critical to strengthening grassroots governance and addressing rural insecurity.

The administration has also continued to honour national institutions and historical legacies. The approval for the upgrading and renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna to the General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology reflects a commitment to educational excellence and national remembrance.

Democracy Day offers Nigerians an opportunity not only to reflect on the sacrifices that birthed democratic governance but also to assess the performance of those entrusted with leadership.

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rightly noted in his Democracy Day address, Nigeria's founding fathers fought to secure the nation's independence, while the heroes of June 12 made enormous sacrifices to entrench democratic governance. The responsibility of the present generation is to build on those sacrifices by bequeathing to future generations a prosperous, secure and united Nigeria.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group believes that President Tinubu's reforms are laying the foundation for a stronger, safer and more prosperous nation. We believe the President has demonstrated the vision, courage and capacity required to achieve this noble objective. From unprecedented investments in education through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has already provided opportunities for over one million Nigerian students, to massive road and infrastructure projects connecting communities and expanding economic opportunities, the administration is pursuing policies designed to secure long-term national prosperity.

The commencement of critical police reform measures that culminated in a legislation on State Police further strengthens the nation's security architecture and reinforces confidence that Nigeria is steadily overcoming insecurity and other social challenges. The roads being constructed, institutions being strengthened, reforms being implemented and opportunities being created are all part of a deliberate, well intentioned effort to build a nation where future generations can thrive.

While challenges remain, the administration has demonstrated the political will to confront difficult issues that previous governments often shyed away from. This is the promise of democracy, and this is the legacy that President Tinubu is working to deliver for Nigeria.

We therefore urge Nigerians to continue supporting democratic institutions and national development efforts as the country advances towards greater stability, prosperity and inclusive growth.

Happy Democracy Day to all Nigerians.

Signed:

Hon. Bamidele Atoyebi

Convener

Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG)