Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Criticise Him but Never Stop Believing in the Nation
President Bola Tinubu used his nationwide Democracy Day broadcast on Friday, June 12, 2026, to tell Nigerians they may criticise and disagree with him, but must never stop believing in the nation. Speaking to mark 27 years of uninterrupted democracy, he described the National Assembly, judiciary, press and civil society as the guardrails that keep democracy from failing when citizens doubt the process.
He urged young people to see Nigeria as their home and future, saying every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship. Tinubu also saluted the sacrifices of the armed forces, police and intelligence services, and thanked traditional rulers, faith leaders and community heads for their role in peace and reconciliation. He echoed the Islamic Council’s call to stop giving ethnic or religious colouration to banditry and kidnapping.
Will you turn your criticism into constructive action—building businesses, taking up public service or community work here—or will you consider leaving the country in search of easier opportunities?