ABUJA — The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerians to safeguard the nation’s democratic gains and support the reforms being implemented by President Bola Tinubu for national growth and prosperity.
In a Democracy Day message on Thursday, Yilwatda urged citizens to reflect on the significance of June 12 and recommit themselves to the values of unity, patriotism, good governance and national development.
He described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, symbolising the courage and sacrifices of patriots who fought for justice, electoral integrity and the sovereignty of the Nigerian people.
According to him, Democracy Day is more than a public holiday, but a reminder of the country’s collective struggle for freedom, representative governance and the right of citizens to determine their future through democratic processes.
“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,” he said.
The APC chairman noted that the annual observance offers Nigerians an opportunity to assess the nation’s democratic progress and renew their commitment to protecting institutions that sustain constitutional governance.
He said democracy has strengthened peaceful political participation, accountability, protection of fundamental rights and citizens’ involvement in nation-building.
Yilwatda stressed that all Nigerians have a responsibility to defend democracy and preserve the sacrifices of those who fought for its entrenchment.
“Every generation has a responsibility to defend democracy. The sacrifices made by our democratic heroes should never be forgotten, nor should we allow actions capable of undermining our constitutional order,” he stated.
The APC national chairman called on political leaders, civil society groups, the media, religious bodies and youth organisations to promote dialogue, tolerance, respect for the rule of law and peaceful participation in the democratic process.
He also appealed to Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s economic and institutional reforms, saying meaningful transformation often requires difficult but necessary decisions.
Yilwatda said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is aimed at repositioning Nigeria for sustainable economic growth, infrastructure development, improved social welfare, increased investment 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,” he said.
According to him, ongoing reforms across key sectors are intended to strengthen institutions, create jobs, improve the investment climate and build a more competitive and inclusive economy.
He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, resilient and united in pursuit of a stronger and more prosperous nation.
“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 added.
Yilwatda reaffirmed the commitment of the APC to strengthening democratic governance, promoting national unity and supporting policies that advance Nigeria’s development.
He also wished Nigerians a peaceful and memorable Democracy Day celebration.
