Vice-President Kashim Shettima says history has returned the baton of democratic struggle to late Moshood Abiola’s trusted ally, President Bola Tinubu, decades after June 12.

Representing President Tinubu, Shettima stated this on Thursday at the Democracy Day lecture held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, marking Nigeria’s 26th anniversary of democracy.

He described the late Abiola as a patriot who gave everything for Nigeria, saying Abiola’s sacrifice became the guiding light of the country’s democratic journey.

The Vice-President noted that hope remains an enduring part of Abiola’s legacy, a flame that could neither be extinguished nor ignored in history’s account.

He added that belief in Abiola’s vision has renewed national hope in what he described as the great theatre of providence.

According to him, Abiola’s dream did not die in vain but became a national covenant and enduring resolve among Nigerians.

“Abiola’s dream inspired Nigerians to uphold what is right, defend electoral choice, and honour the sacrifices that built the roots of our democracy.

“This faith in Abiola’s promise has renewed hope for Nigeria.

“In the great theatre of providence, history returns the baton to Abiola’s ally in democracy’s struggle —President Tinubu.

“The ticket once denied Nigerians — the Abiola-Kingibe ticket — finds reflection and vindication in Tinubu’s leadership, mirroring its spirit and conviction.

“Tinubu, a leader who has preserved democracy’s flame through years of fire and storm.

“I’m honoured to share the weight of this history and the depth of its memory,” Shettima said.

He said Nigeria stands today on sacrifices of unsung heroes—those who gave up comfort, freedom, and life for democratic values.

“Nigerians, including myself, remain thankful to serve in a government that listens to all voices.

“There is no doubt Tinubu honours that covenant — reaching across divides to build a nation for all,” Shettima noted.

He said Abiola’s life shows that democracy’s burden is not a lone man’s task but a shared national responsibility.

He urged Nigerians to unite and guard democracy as a fortress that no force of anarchy can breach—even in thought.

Shettima called for strong support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda across the nation.

“Each of us has a sacred duty to support the President in renewing hope, deepening democracy, and institutionalising governance,” he said.

Earlier, Secretary to the Government, Sen. George Akume, recognised heroes of Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

He praised their lasting legacies, democratic contributions, and efforts to reshape the national economy.

He encouraged stakeholders to embrace democratic ideals by supporting Tinubu’s efforts towards peace, growth, and prosperity.

Delivering the keynote, Prof. Samuel Egwu said the core of democracy globally is sustained commitment.

He noted that democracy’s full benefits in Nigeria require consistent commitment by citizens and leaders alike.

Egwu added that deepening 26 years of democracy demands officeholders prioritise citizens’ welfare over personal interest.

Cameroon’s High Commissioner, Mr Salaheddine Ibrahim, praised Nigeria’s unity in spite of its challenges.

He urged leaders and citizens to remain resolute in preserving democracy in Nigeria.

Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo said recognising June 12 as Democracy Day reflects national will and sacrifice.

He emphasised that democracy thrives not on rituals, but on collective effort, resilience, and continued participation.

The event also featured the unveiling of three books: ‘Tinubunomics’, ‘Leading With Courage’, and ‘Turning Challenges into Opportunities’. (NAN)

 Mr Cornelius Ojelabi, the chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC) Lagos State chapter says President Tinubu is synonymous with the June 12 phenomenon,

He said on Thursday in Lagos that this was evident in Tinubu’s peoples-oriented reform agencga  emancipation.

Ojelabi, congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the Democracy Day and urged them to support the administration’s ongoing reforms to encourage the government to execute more people- oriented programmes.

Ojelabi spoke during an interview on the sidelines of the Cherubim and Seraphim Society centenary celebrations.

The party stewart described Tinubu as a democrat whose nationalistic disposition dwarfed his shortcomings.

According to him the president symbolises the struggle which took place 26 years ago and unified Nigerians in pursuit of their democracy dreams.

“The expression in MKO Abiola and Baba Gana Kingibe ticket resonates in the present Tinubu-Shittima dispensation.

“It has continued to deliver to Nigerians reforms such as students loan and improved National Youth Service Corps members’ allowance.

“It has also manifested in the liberalisation of the oil sector to foster healthy competition essential to bringing price down in the domestic market.

“Infrastructure development is evenly being executed nationwide to attract both local and foreign investments,” he said.

The politician said that, the leadership of the nation was not unaware of some grey areas that required attention.

He said that efforts were being made to stamp out insecurity in the country with more investment in the nation’s military, adding that very soon the security challenge would be history.

He said that the reforms of the present administration were segmented into short, medium and long term.

According to him, when the long term reforms matured their derivatives would wipe out the sacrifices made to achieve them. (NAN) 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has lauded the achievements of President Bola Tinubu, saying his impactful projects and reforms have rendered political opposition efforts ineffective.

Wike made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja, during the inauguration of Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) and other roads in the Katampe District.

He noted that the impressive pace of development under Tinubu’s leadership had disoriented critics and opposition groups, particularly the supposed coalition created to challenge Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

“I thought there would be a coalition, but when people see new projects being unveiled daily, that idea collapses.

“The coalition has failed because of the good work Mr President is doing,” Wike said.

He explained that the N16 to N20 road was awarded in September and commenced in Oct. 2024 and later extended through Gishiri Village to connect it to Wole Soyinka Way.

The further said that Tinubu administration has built contractors’ trust in government, adding that the contractors now have confidence to execute projects knowing they would be paid.

He disclosed that although the extension of the N16 road to N20 was recently approved by the FCT Executive Council, the contractor had already completed it, citing confidence in prompt government payments.

He also noted that communities affected by the road construction were adequately compensated, receiving 200 per cent of the compensation rate in line with Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

“President Tinubu has brought that trust back, and the people of the FCT, particularly those in satellite towns are seeing progress like never before,” Wike said.

He thanked the president for giving him the opportunity to be part of what he described as a “revolution in the FCT,” and vowed that no project initiated under his tenure would be abandoned.

Responding, Tinubu commended Wike and his team for their commitment to transformative infrastructure development, describing the minister as a “team builder and a team player.”

“Infrastructure is not a luxury; it is a necessity; it is the bedrock of national competitiveness, growth, social integration, and economic opportunity,” the president said.

Also speaking, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, expressed gratitude to FCT residents for their patience during the construction process.

“To the people of Gishiri, Maitama, and the entire FCT community, thank you for your resilience and belief in the government’s capacity to deliver.

“You are the heart of this city, and this project is a tribute to your enduring hope,” she said.

Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr Richard Dauda, said that described the road as a 3.7-kilometre, six-lane dual carriageway.

He said that the road linked Maitama District in Phase I to Katampe, Jahi, and Mabushi Districts in Phase II. (NAN)