Bola Tinubu

“In 2006, the 5th National Assembly protected our democracy against an unseemly third-term bid that would have ripped our Constitution apart.”

“I pledge myself to this cooperation and ask that you do the same for the good of our people.”

“While we may not always agree, we must forge a way to work together because this is what democracy demands of us.”

“It is fitting that I come to this chamber. You are the authors of the people's law, and I must be their faithful implementer.”

“The struggle was never the province of any one group or section of the country, it was pan-Nigerian in its conception and will be even more pan-Nigerian as we strive to perfect it.”

“Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive.”

“We must celebrate and remember the contributions of all those who played significant roles in Nigeria's democratic evolution.”

“We also remember the many civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians imprisoned, exiled, tossed aside, tortured and beaten by the military regime.”

“We must celebrate the courage of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, both of whom were murdered by agents of military repression.”

“Whilst Chief MKO Abiola is June 12's central figure, we must not forget the long list of those who equally deserve to be called heroes of Nigerian democracy.”

“Year by year, election after election, every time we debate instead of battle, discuss instead of fight, and argue instead of destroy, we preserve the institutions of democracy. More importantly, we weave the culture of democracy into the very fabric of our nation.”

“Let me pay tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari for reaching back into history to rectify a national misdeed by making June 12 Democracy Day and by officially acknowledging Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, as the victors and thus duly elected President and Vice President respectively of Nigeria after the June 12, 1993 elections.”

“Since 2018, we have celebrated Democracy Day on this day; to commemorate the sacrifices of the men and women who fought to restore democratic governance to Nigeria.”

“I hereby affirm before our Merciful and Almighty God and all men my resolve to do all that I can to safeguard and build our democracy as the Divine hand intends for us to do.”

“With every footstep I took through these hallowed halls up to the moment I now stand before you, I remembered that we still have much further to go.”

“Since 1999, democracy has risen from the ashes and destitution of military rule to take its rightful place as the only mode of governance of our resilient and beloved people.”

“Today, as I entered this grand edifice built from the sweat and toil of our democratic yearning, my heart stirred. It was a blend of accomplishment and resolve.”

“With profound honour, I stand before this joint session of our National Assembly; a parliament that embodies the will of the Nigerian people.”

“We must continue the work of building a more just, prosperous and united nation.”

“We must be vigilant in expanding and defending the liberties our democracy provides.”