President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has attributed Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance to divine providence, prayer, and the resilience of its people, urging citizens to remain united and committed to strengthening the nation’s democratic institutions.
Speaking at the Inter-Denominational Church Service held to commemorate Democracy Day 2026, in Abuj, Akpabio said Nigeria’s democratic journey was not sustained by political institutions alone but by faith in God and the prayers of millions of Nigerians who stood firm during some of the country’s most difficult periods.
“We gather today not merely to celebrate twenty-seven years of uninterrupted democratic rule. We gather to give thanks to Almighty God—the Author of all sovereignty, the Keeper of nations, and the Anchor of our democratic journey,” he said.
The Senate President recalled the role played by the Nigeria Prays Movement, initiated under the leadership of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, during a period when the nation’s democratic future appeared uncertain.
“There was a time when uncertainty clouded our future and hope seemed distant. It was in those difficult days that patriots led by General Yakubu Gowon launched the Nigeria Prays Movement. They understood a truth every generation must rediscover: while politics has its place, some battles require prayer,” he said.
According to Akpabio, the eventual return to democratic rule was not merely a coincidence but evidence of divine intervention.
“Three years later, democracy returned. Some call it coincidence. We know it was providence,” he stated.
The Senate President paid tribute to the Church in Nigeria for its contributions to the nation’s democratic development, describing it as a moral force that stood firmly in defence of justice and democratic governance.
“I pay tribute to the Church in Nigeria for standing in the gap then and for continuing to do so today. In that critical hour, the Church was at its finest. It remains the salt of the earth and a light upon a hill, reminding us that governments may govern and institutions may serve, but it is God who preserves nations,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of faith in nation-building, Akpabio declared that prayer played a crucial role in securing democracy and remains essential for preserving it.
“The healing of a nation begins when its people return to God. Prayer helped secure democracy. Prayer will help preserve it. What faith obtained, only faithfulness can sustain,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, Akpabio noted that the country had survived numerous challenges, including political crises, economic difficulties, insurgency, pandemics, and periods of authoritarian rule.
“We have survived political upheavals, economic turbulence, insurgencies, pandemics, and seasons of despotism. Yet here we stand. Twenty-seven years of democratic governance. Twenty-seven years of constitutional order. Twenty-seven years of hope renewed,” he said.
The Senate President, however, acknowledged the economic hardships currently facing many Nigerians, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed that this year’s Democracy Day celebration be observed in a low-key manner in recognition of the difficulties confronting citizens.
“The pains of reform weigh heavily on families. Yet every mother endures labour because she knows that joy awaits on the other side. So must we endure—with faith, patience, and hope,” he said.
On the issue of insecurity, Akpabio expressed concern over persistent attacks on communities, kidnappings, and other forms of violent criminality across the country.
He shared a deeply personal experience from his childhood during the Nigerian Civil War, recalling how he and his sister were separated from their mother for several days amid the conflict in Ikot Ekpene.
“To a frightened child, with gunfire in the distance, warplanes overhead, and uncertainty all around, days feel like an eternity. For my mother, those were days of anguished sleeplessness and desperate searching. For me, they were days of fear, loneliness, tears, and uncertainty. I have never forgotten that experience,” he recounted.
Drawing parallels between that experience and the plight of kidnapped victims, especially children, Akpabio said the suffering of families affected by abductions remains a national tragedy.
“That is why my heart breaks for every child in captivity and every parent who lies awake through the long hours of the night, not knowing whether a son or daughter is safe, hungry, frightened, or even alive,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to defeating terrorism, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality, while stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.
“The government remains steadfast in its determination to secure the freedom of those in captivity, defeat the forces of terror and criminality, and restore peace to our communities. We shall continue to act, continue to pray, and continue to persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure,” he said.
Akpabio urged Nigerians to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and cooperating with authorities.
“The struggle against terrorism, kidnapping, and violent criminality requires the vigilance, cooperation, and moral resolve of all Nigerians. Let communities remain vigilant. Let citizens cooperate with our security agencies. Let families refuse to shield criminals,” he added.
Speaking on democratic governance, the Senate President said democracy derives its legitimacy not merely from elections but from its ability to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
“Democracy derives its legitimacy not merely from elections but from its ability to improve the lives of ordinary people,” he stated.
He further argued that democratic governance must be rooted in accountability, justice, compassion, and service to the people.
“If that is true, then democracy must be more than a system of elections. It must be rooted in accountability, guided by justice, tempered by compassion, and committed to the common good,” he said.
Addressing young Nigerians, Akpabio encouraged them to actively participate in the democratic process rather than disengage from it.
“We hear you. Your concerns are real. Your aspirations are legitimate. Your desire for a better nation is justified. But democracy flourishes only when its youth are engaged,” he said.
He challenged the nation’s youth to contribute their ideas, creativity, innovation, and leadership toward national development.
“Do not abandon the democratic space. Enter it. Improve it. Strengthen it. The future belongs not to those who retreat from the arena, but to those who enter it with conviction and hope,” he added.
The Senate President also warned against divisive politics, insisting that Nigeria’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths.
“There are those who seek political profit in division. They are wrong. Our diversity is one of Nigeria’s greatest strengths. Every community enriches our national story. Every region strengthens the Republic,” he said.
As part of the Democracy Day observance, Akpabio called on Nigerians to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, the judiciary, the Armed Forces, security agencies, and all public servants entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
Concluding his address, the Senate President expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future and urged citizens not to surrender to despair despite prevailing challenges.
“This Republic is a testimony to the resilience of our people and the mercy of God. And the story is not over. Nigeria’s democratic story is still being written,” he said.
He added: “Let us move forward in faith and courage. Let us trust God, do what is right, and refuse to surrender to despair. For the best days of our Republic are not behind us. The greatest chapters of our democracy are still ahead of us.”
