President Bola Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to developing democratic institutions on Monday, stating that the endeavor is important to preserving Nigeria’s democracy and supporting stability in the West African sub-region.
Tinubu spoke in Abuja on the 28th anniversary of the death of General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, with the topic “The Union We Hope to Become.”
The president was represented by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federal.
The president paid tribute to Yar’Adua, saying the late soldier and politician exemplified conviction, patriotism, sacrifice, and a dedication to national service over personal gain.
Tinubu stated that the gathering was intended not simply to commemorate Yar’Adua’s memory but also to deliberate on problems of justice, unity, accountability, and leadership.
He also stated that his Renewed Hope Agenda is based on the same values that the late general championed.
The President stated, “Our late compatriot, from the solitude of prison, without the certainty of tomorrow or the guarantee of justice, wrote letters holding us to responsibility by stressing that Nigeria must be governed by institutions stronger than individuals, principles, values, and justice.
“These convictions shaped the core of our efforts today to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold transparency, and build trust between government and citizens.
“As we put together this powerful civic anthology, ‘Letters To The Union We Hope To Become,’ witness a new generation answering that same call.
“These writings echo the spirit of widening access to education, expanding economic opportunities, securing our nation, creating equal opportunities, empowering our youth, sustaining our leadership in the region, and restoring dignity to public service, to build a nation where every citizen matters, where no man is suppressed.”
He identified youth empowerment, assistance for small and medium-sized businesses, infrastructure development, and social protection as significant drivers of the government’s economic and governance reforms.
“Our administration’s pursuit of economic stabilization, energy reform, food security, digital innovation, and social justice must therefore be anchored in the values we celebrate today.
“Permit me to mention that today, this administration is deliberately strengthening the institutions that safeguard our democracy, not just in our home, but also in our sub-region.
“Every aspect of this renewed opportunity is designed to build a nation, a union that is fairer, more secure, more prosperous, and governed by citizens’ trust,” Tinubu said.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who also spoke at the event, urged Nigerians to continue advocating for open government and institutions that prioritize citizens.
He also urged Nigerian youths to respond not with rage, but with commitment to bridge the country’s divides via discussion rather than silence.
Atiku claimed that Yar’Adua’s life demonstrated that democracy is perpetuated not merely by elections, but also by strong institutions, integrity, and individuals eager to act.
Atiku stated, “When the political tides turned dark, and the cost of conviction seemed unbearable, Shehu would remind us that every generation must pay its price for freedom.
“He never asked others to take a risk that he himself was unwilling to bear. He led from the front, fearless, thoughtful, and deeply humane.
“When men such as Shehu walk the earth, they leave footprints that endure. Though he departed too soon, the weight of his vision continues to whisper through our history and our hearts: a vision of Nigeria where service outshines ambition, and integrity conquers expedience.
“To speak of General Shehu Musa Yar’adua today is to address the ideals that still define our struggle for a just and united Nigeria. He was among the first to grasp the hard truth that democracy is not sustained by elections alone but by institutions, by integrity, and by citizens who care enough to act.
“In the movement we built together, Shehu taught us that leadership must never become an instrument of privilege; it must remain a vessel of service.”
Atiku called for unity built on dialogue, empathy, and fairness, adding that Nigeria’s diversity “is not a curse but its greatest blessing.”
“So, to every young Nigerian listening today, let me say this: You are not powerless. You cannot be spectators in your own nation’s story. You must be the authors, the dreamers, the doers, and the builders of a new Nigeria,” he said.
