Tinubu Sends Special Thank You Message to Buhari, Reason Emerges

• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid tribute to his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari
• President Tinubu hailed Buhari for officially making June 12 Democracy Day in Nigeria while in office
• According to Tinubu, Buhari's decision corrected a historical injustice and honoured the will of the Nigerian people

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues

FCT, Abuja - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appreciated former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

Tinubu said Buhari’s move was a bold step in correcting a historical injustice and honouring the will of the Nigerian people.

The President said Buhari’s decision to designate June 12 as Democracy Day, reflected the nation’s resolve to uphold the truth of its democratic journey.

As reported by Vanguard, Tinubu stated this during his address to a joint session of the National Assembly at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to mark Democracy Day on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

“Let me pay tribute to my predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, for reaching back into history to rectify a national misdeed by making June 12 Democracy Day,”

Legit.ng reports that Jube 12 is in honour of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the assumed winner of the 1993 presidential election.

Tinubu also paid glowing tribute to Buhari for acknowledging Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, as the winners of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

The Nigerian President said the moment is a reminder of the sacrifices made to secure and sustain democratic governance in Nigeria.

“As I walked into this hallowed chamber, I was filled with both a sense of accomplishment and resolve,” he told lawmakers. “Democracy has risen from the ashes of military rule to take its rightful place as the only acceptable mode of governance for our resilient and beloved people.”

25 takeaways from Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech

Recall that President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to democracy, national unity, and economic progress during his Democracy Day speech, paying tribute to June 12 heroes and highlighting key reforms.

He strongly rejected claims of a one-party agenda, called for collaboration between the executive and legislature, and outlined his government’s achievements in inflation control, GDP growth, and security.

Tinubu unveiled plans for a national fibre optic project, tax reforms, and youth empowerment programmes while emphasising Nigeria’s self-sufficiency, economic growth, and diaspora engagement.

June 12: Tinubu honours Kudirat Abiola, Musa Yaradua, others

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Tinubu posthumously honoured Kudirat Abiola, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and Humphrey Nwosu for their contributions to Nigeria’s democracy.

The announcement came during Tinubu's special Democracy Day address on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the National Assembly, where other notable figures were also recognised for their roles in shaping the nation’s democratic journey.

A detailed list of honourees is expected to be made public soon, highlighting their lasting legacies in the struggle for Nigeria's democracy.

Source: Legit.ng