June 13, 2025 by , Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin, Kolade Adeyemi, Jos, Tosin Tope, Akure, Augustine Okezie, Katsina, Olaide Oyelude and Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

The  Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has commended  Nigerians for the successes recorded by the country in its 26th year of unbroken civil rule.

NGF  restated its members’ commitment to work with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to deepen   democracy.

In a statement yesterday by its   Chairman,   AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,  the forum described June 12 as ‘’a watershed in our national history.’’

It said despite the challenges the nation and citizens have encountered in the democratic journey,  ‘’appreciable progress’’ has been recorded. 

The statement reads: “On behalf of my colleagues at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), I congratulate all Nigerians on the commemoration of Democracy Day. June 12 is a watershed in our national history.

“We, therefore, join President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and other stakeholders to honour our heroes and heroines who played significant roles in the struggle for democratic rule.

“The last 26 years of unbroken democracy have seen appreciable progress in different areas of our national life.

“Notwithstanding the progress, our nation, like every other human community, has its challenges and aspirations.

“Together, we can leverage constructive dialogue and all other democratic mechanisms to engage one another for better outcomes.

“As leaders of our people, we commit ourselves to working with all stakeholders, including the Federal Government, civic organisations, and other partners, to widen the democratic space and make our country more fertile for sustainable peace and inclusive prosperity.’’

AbdulRamah, who is also the Kwara State governor and some NGF members later issued/ read individual statements in which they enumerated their efforts at delivering democracy dividends. 

The governors include  Babagana Zulum(Borno), who commuted death sentences on some inmates to life and pardoned 66;  and Caleb Mutfwang(Plateau), who inaugurated 15 new buses, the Utokong/Abbatoir Bridge and hospital equipment.   

In his message,  the governor   hailed  “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the  leadership of the National Assembly, the bench and   bar, the media, and the esteemed citizens in the civic space whose contributions to democratic engagements are an important component of our journey.’’

He added that what stood out on June 12,” whether established or evolving  is that it allows for robust engagements among different stakeholders to forge the way forward at all times.’’

 AbdulRahman said he believes   that behind ‘’our search for a better society are measurable and scalable achievements in critical infrastructure, indices of soft power, and other areas of human advancement.’’

Governor Zulum visited inmates of the Maximum Correctional Centre in Maiduguri, the state specialist hospital and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.  

 He gifted  N20,000   each to the 1,280   in the correctional centre as well as 300 bags of rice, 50 jerry cans of cooking oil and five cows for them to celebrate the day. 

The governor said: “Let me clarify that the N20,000 cash assistance will be handed over to officials of the correctional centre, as stipulated by law, but you will have access to it whenever needed. 

“I have also commuted death sentences to life imprisonment and reduced the jail terms of some other inmates as part of activities to celebrate this year’s Democracy Day.’’

 At the specialist hospital,  where he interacted with patients in the Gynaecology, Antenatal, Postnatal and Emergency Wards, he donated N50,000 cash to each of them as support toward their medical care.

 The governor also extended the same gesture by donating cash and settling the medical bills of patients in the teaching hospital.

In Abeokuta,  Governor Dapo   Abiodun said a renewed commitment to democratic values, inclusive participation, and a transparent electoral process would propel the country on the path to true greatness.

The governor also encouraged the youth to take their rightful place in shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey and to participate in civic dialogue.

Abiodun’s message was delivered by his deputy,  Noimot Salako-Oyedele at the Hubert Ogungbe Hall, June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto in Abeokuta.

The theme of the Democracy Day celebration in the state was  ‘’June 12: Electoral Reforms and Democratic Consolidation, Enhancing Voters’ Confidence Through Technology.’’

He said: “Today, we honour not just late MKO Abiola’s memory, but the courage of all who stood with him in pursuit of a democratic Nigeria. As we salute Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the pride of Ogun State and a martyr of democracy, we also acknowledge the efforts of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A fellow soldier in the pro-democracy movement, President Tinubu now carries forward the ideals of that struggle through his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’

While stressing the need to reinforce the country’s democratic institutions by building trust and ensuring transparency in the electoral processes,  Abiodun said every Nigerian must participate in elections. 

“Electoral integrity is now an expectation, not an exception. To build trust, we must strengthen our institutions, embrace credible systems, and continue leveraging technology wisely. As Professor Attahiru Jega noted, ‘a credible electoral process is the foundation of good governance.’

Governor  Biodun Oyebanji  congratulated Nigerians, saying 26 years of unbroken democracy was a great milestone for Nigeria as it confers huge respect on the country in the comity of nations

“Twenty years of unbroken democracy is a great milestone for Nigeria.

“This is phenomenal, it is a record and an indication that Nigerians appreciate democracy despite the odds,” Oyebanji added.  

The governor also hailed the role played by prominent democracy activists, including the  President   in the fight for the restoration of civil rule in Nigeria.

The governor called for the support of all Nigerians for the country to be restored to the path of prosperity.

He also paid tributes to the late Abiola and other martyrs of democracy, noting that no efforts should be spared in ensuring that their deaths are not in vain.

Governor   Monday Okpebholo urged Nigerians to reflect on June 12 and recommit to democracy, justice, unity, and national progress.

Okpebholo emphasised that June 12 was a reminder of sacrifices made by patriots who championed the current democracy in the country.

He urged citizens to defend the hard-won freedom and democratic gains across Nigeria.

“June 12 reminds us of 1993, when Nigerians stood united for democracy,” he said, adding that the celebration was to honour Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other democratic heroes of that era.

The governor reiterated his commitment to people-focused governance in the state and urged residents of the state to remain active in democracy, hold leaders accountable, and contribute positively to the development of the state.

“Democracy needs your engagement. Be vigilant, participate actively, and help strengthen our institutions through informed civic responsibilities,”  said the governor.  

 

  In Akure, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said Nigeria was making progress under the   Tinubu administration.

“In spite of the challenges we faced, we have made notable progress in the consolidation of our democratic institutions.

‘’Citizens now enjoy greater freedom to express their opinions, assemble, and constructively criticise the government without fear of arrest or harassment,” the governor said.

However, Aiyedatiwa said the June 12  called for sober reflection on the progress and development made in the country since the return to civil rule in 1999.

He also described the June 12, 1993, election as a landmark in the nation’s political evolution. 

At the Old Government House, Rayfield in  Jos,  Governor   Mutfwang said the inauguration of 15 new luxury buses marked a significant milestone in the journey to revive, Plateau Express Service. 

He said:  “We decided that one of the most effective ways to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal is to invest in the transport sector and return the subsidy directly to the people.

“The joy, applause, and celebrations that greeted the arrival of these buses in town gave me renewed energy. It’s proof that when government listens and acts, the people respond with gratitude and hope.’’

Mutfwang said that his administration was also reviving ASTC, GIB, Paiyan Fish Farm, Hill Station Hotel, Plateau Hotel, and other legacy projects in the state and assured the people that the journey had just begun.

The governor added that he received reassurances from President Tinubu that he (Tinubu) had listed the  Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road as one of his legacy projects. 

Governor Francis Nwifuru said his policies were designed “not only to meet the immediate needs of the people but to secure a sustainable future for the next generation.

He said: “Democracy is not merely the conduct of elections, it is about governance that listens, serves, and uplifts.

“It is about building institutions that endure and strengthening the bond between government and the governed.

“That is the ethos we hold dear in Ebonyi.” 

Nwifuru  extended   gratitude to President  Tinubu, describing him as “a true democrat, statesman, and visionary leader.

 

In a goodwill message by his media aide, Ismaila Uba-Misilli, Governor  Yahaya described the peaceful transitions in Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democracy as a sign of maturity.

He said: “Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted civilian rule is a remarkable milestone.

“As the largest democracy in Africa, Nigeria has continued to hold firm to democratic principles despite complex socio-political and economic challenges.

“Our ability to transition peacefully between administrations and navigate national difficulties is a sign of democratic maturity.”   

Yahaya, who is also the Chairman of the Northern State Governors’ Forum, also extended his heartfelt congratulations to President   Tinubu and all heroes of democracy, including the judiciary, legislature and civil society.”

Governor  Dikko  Radda, who lauded the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy,  reassured the people of his commitment to serve with transparency, accountability, and genuine love.

He described June 12 as a sacred reminder that every citizen’s voice matters and every dream deserves the government’s support.

The governor further reflected on the sacrifices of democracy heroes, particularly Chief MKO Abiola, whose June 12, 1993 mandate symbolised the people’s power to choose their leaders and shape their destiny.

He said, “When I wake up each morning as your Governor, I remember that this office is not mine—it belongs to every Katsina citizen who trusted me with their vote. Your struggles are my struggles, your hopes fuel my determination.”

 Governor Radda called on all Nigerians to protect and nurture democracy by actively participating in governance, holding leaders accountable, and maintaining unity despite differences.

Governor  Ahmed Ododo called on Nigerians to rekindle the spirit of unity, civic responsibility, and democratic engagement.

Ododo described June 12 as   “a solemn reminder that democracy is not gifted, it is earned.”

He said, “ Today, we celebrate as one people, united in history, in hope, and in purpose to commemorate Democracy Day, a day that forever echoes the courage, conviction, and collective will of the Nigerian people.

“June 12 stands as a defining chapter in our national consciousness, a day that symbolises the triumph of the people’s will over dictatorship.”

In a live broadcast yesterday, Governor  Hyacinth  Alia called on residents of the state to uphold the ideals of freedom, justice and collective responsibility.

  Alia said  June 12 was a day that mirrors the “collective spirit” of Nigerians and a reminder that democracy is not a gift from the powerful but a legacy built by brave citizens.

“Democracy is the right to choose, the freedom to speak, and the sacred duty to build,”  he declared.

Alia paid tributes to Chief   Abiola and other democracy icons, including Kudirat Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi and Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu — the second Executive Governor of Benue State.

The governor assured people of the state that  he would   not rest until peace was fully restored in the state

He said, “Our people are suffering. Their pain is our pain.

“For those of us who have sworn to defend and protect them, who are committed to restoring peace, we will continue to do so with the support of all good people.’’

David Adenuga, Bauchi 

Governor Bala Mohammed said democracy must be measured by the well-being of citizens, not just the conduct of elections. 

“Democracy is not just about elections, but about delivering tangible dividends that uplift the lives of the people,” he stressed. Mohammed enjoined Nigerians and leaders to  ‘’reflect on how far we’ve come and recommit ourselves to building a just, united, and prosperous society.” 

He called on leaders to embrace accountability and focus on policies that drive inclusive development and social justice.

The governor also paid tribute to pro-democracy heroes who laid the foundation for Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation.