“You Can Drag Me Online, Just Don’t Abandon Nigeria” — Tinubu’s June 12 Bombshell

  

“Criticise Me, Disagree With Me... But Never Stop Believing in Naija!” In what’s fast becoming the most quotable presidential speech of the year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu served Nigerians a powerful mix of tough love, open invitation to drag him, and undying patriotism during his Democracy Day address today, June 12, 2026. 

Speaking to the nation, the President didn’t just mark the anniversary of the historic June 12 mandate, he challenged people to attack him, not the nation.

Tinubu framed democracy as “more than just holding elections” but “a way of life that includes freedom of speech, liberty, and peaceful transitions of power.” He told lawmakers to “value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression and rights over might.”

READ ALSO: VeryDarkMan Stages “Tinubu Must Go” Protest in Abuja

He painted a picture of resilience, reforms in progress, and a call for unity even in the face of economic hard times, insecurity, and the usual “e go better” debates. 

“Do not be afraid to hear an unkind word spoken against you… While malicious slander and libel should not go unattended, no one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names.”

“Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults. Call me any names. I’m not here to make you happy politically and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so.

“We must always value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression and rights over might. Be tolerant and broad-minded in your legislative action regarding speech and civil liberties.

“Democracy is more than just holding elections; it is a way of life that includes freedom of speech, liberty, and peaceful transitions of power.”