By Our Reporter
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerians to protect the nation’s hard-earned democratic freedoms and support the ongoing reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to build a stronger and more prosperous country.
In a Democracy Day message released on Friday and signed by Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser to the APC National Chairman on Media and Information Strategy, Professor Yilwatda congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the June 12 celebration, describing the date as one of the most significant milestones in the nation’s democratic history.
He said June 12 symbolises the courage, sacrifice and resilience of patriots who fought for justice, electoral integrity and the right of Nigerians to determine their leaders through democratic means.
According to him, Democracy Day goes beyond being a public holiday, serving instead as a reminder of the country’s collective struggle for freedom, representative government and constitutional rule.
“Democracy Day is not merely another public holiday; it is a solemn reminder of our collective struggle for freedom, representative government, and the right of every Nigerian to determine the destiny of our nation through democratic means. It is a celebration of resilience, hope, and the enduring belief that the people’s voice must always prevail,” he stated.
The APC chairman noted that the annual observance provides an opportunity for citizens to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic progress while recommitting themselves to the protection of institutions that sustain constitutional governance.
He maintained that democracy has created avenues for peaceful political participation, enhanced accountability, protection of fundamental rights and increased opportunities for citizens to contribute to national development.
Yilwatda stressed that every generation bears the responsibility of safeguarding democracy and preserving the sacrifices made by the heroes of the June 12 struggle.
He warned against actions capable of undermining the country’s constitutional order, stressing that Nigeria’s democratic system must remain stronger than individual ambitions and sectional interests.
The APC national chairman therefore urged political leaders, civil society organisations, the media, religious bodies, youth groups and other stakeholders to continue promoting dialogue, tolerance, respect for the rule of law and peaceful participation in the democratic process.
He also called on Nigerians to support the economic and institutional reforms being implemented by the Tinubu administration, arguing that meaningful national transformation often requires difficult but necessary policy decisions.
According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu is designed to reposition the country for sustainable economic growth, improved infrastructure, enhanced social welfare, greater investment opportunities and long-term prosperity.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fundamentally designed to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth, economic stability, infrastructure development, improved social welfare, expanded investment opportunities, and enhanced prosperity for future generations. While reforms may demand patience and sacrifice, history has consistently shown that courageous leadership and sound policy choices lay the foundation for lasting national progress,” he said.
Yilwatda further explained that the administration’s reforms across critical sectors are aimed at strengthening public institutions, creating employment opportunities, improving the business environment and building a more competitive and inclusive economy.
He appealed to Nigerians to remain hopeful, resilient and united in pursuit of a stronger and more prosperous nation.
The APC chairman also urged citizens to reject division, violence, misinformation and all actions capable of threatening democratic stability.
“As we commemorate Democracy Day, let us remember that democracy flourishes only where citizens actively defend it with responsibility, patriotism, and respect for one another. Let us reject division, violence, misinformation, and actions capable of threatening our democratic stability,” he said.
Yilwatda added that the greatest tribute Nigerians can pay to the heroes of June 12 is to preserve the democracy they fought for and work collectively towards building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation for future generations.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the APC to strengthening democratic governance, promoting national unity and supporting policies that will advance Nigeria’s progress and prosperity.
