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.
