Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday pledged to defend Nigerians’ right to freedom of speech, even if it includes harsh criticism of his administration.

Speaking at the National Assembly Complex to commemorate Democracy Day, Tinubu stated that democracy demands tolerance of dissenting voices, including insults.

“Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so,” he told lawmakers.

Tinubu cautioned security agencies against targeting critics, calling instead for persuasion over suppression. He urged lawmakers to protect civil liberties and emphasised that genuine democracy thrives on open dialogue.

This comes amid mounting criticism over alleged violations of freedom of expression guaranteed under Section 39(1) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. Several journalists, including Daniel Ojukwu, Adejuwon Soyinka, and Segun Olatunji, have been reportedly detained under controversial charges tied to the Cybercrime Prohibition Act.

Press and civil rights groups such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and IPI Nigeria have condemned what they describe as a resurgence of military-era-style repression, undermining press freedom decades after Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.

In his third Democracy Day address, Tinubu acknowledged concerns over government overreach but reaffirmed his commitment to democratic values:

“While malicious slander should not go unchecked, no one should suffer injustice for merely writing a critical report or calling me names.”

He added that enforced silence breeds discontent and warned against criminalising dissent.

“Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive… and our dream of a prosperous nation is still within reach.”

Tinubu also dismissed fears that Nigeria is veering toward a one-party state, assuring continued political plurality and free expression.