Democracy Day 2026: PUMA’s Salihu Othman Isah Charges Nigerians to “Practice Democracy, Not Just Celebrate It”
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…Says hope is stubborn, better future is a decision, not a dream
As Nigeria marks 8 years of June 12 as official Democracy Day, the Executive Director of Peace and Unity Media Advocacy PUMA, Comrade Salihu Othman Isah, has called on Nigerians to move beyond annual celebrations and begin “practicing democracy” in daily life.
In a Democracy Day speech released in Abuja Friday, Isah described June 12 as “hallowed ground” and “a covenant that every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, tongue, or bank account, deserves a voice.”
“Democracy is Not Just a Date, It is a Promise”
Isah noted that 27 years after the return to civilian rule in 1999, the central question is no longer whether Nigeria has democracy, but whether democracy is working for the common man.
“June 12 is not just a public holiday. It is a covenant that power belongs to the people. A covenant that tomorrow must be better than today,” he said.
“Hope is Stubborn” Amid Hardship
Acknowledging public frustration over insecurity, hunger, and economic pressure, the PUMA boss said Nigerians are “tired of promises that sound like echoes.” He cited bandit attacks on schools, rising fuel prices, and youth unemployment as pressing concerns.
But he urged citizens not to lose hope, calling it Nigeria’s “national asset.”
“Hope is what made Nigerians queue for 14 hours in 1993 without guns to their heads. Hope is what makes a mother in Katsina still send her child to school despite fear. Hope is what makes a Kano youth learn welding, coding, and farming instead of carrying cutlass for vandalism,” Isah stated.
PUMA’s Charge to Leaders, Citizens, Media
The media advocacy group outlined a 3-point responsibility for national progress:
Hope Built on Facts, Not Blind Optimism
Isah anchored his optimism on ongoing work by Nigerians. A Nigeria where its citizens still know that hardwork and commitment pays.
“I hope for a Nigeria where pipeline vandalism is history because youth have jobs. I hope for a Nigeria where no mother dies giving life. I hope for a Nigeria where Democracy Day means a child in Zamfara sleeps without gunshots,” he said.
“The Work Continues”
Concluding, Isah said Chief M.K.O. Abiola “did not die so we could clap once a year and go home. He died so we could finish the work.”
“So today, let us not just celebrate democracy. Let us protect it from those who sell fake news. Let us strengthen it with our votes, our voices, and our vigilance,” he added.
He ended with: “Fellow Nigerians, the journey is long, but the destination is sure. A better future is not a dream. It is a decision. One Nation. One Destiny. One Nigeria.”
PUMA said it will continue using media campaigns to promote peace, unity, and responsible citizenship across all 36 states.
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