SPEECH BY FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT, DR. ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, CON, AS THE CHAIRMAN, AT THE 23RD DAILY TRUST DIALOGUE WITH THE THEME: NIGERIA’S FOURTH REPUBLIC: WHAT IS WORKING AND WHAT IS NOT, HELD AT THE NAF CONFERENCE CENTRE & SUITES, KADO EXPRESSWAY, ABUJA, ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 22ND, 2026.

1. Distinguished guests, esteemed scholars, policymakers, and colleagues in public service – past and present – Thank you for the privilege of addressing a subject that speaks to the very soul of our nation: the journey of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
2. Gatherings such as this, convened by credible media institutions, are indispensable to the health of any democracy. They compel reflection, encourage accountability, and demand honesty. In societies that make progress, the media does not merely report history; it interrogates it.
3. Today, I speak not as a partisan actor, but as a citizen who has had the privilege of serving this country at the highest levels of the executive and legislative arms of government, at state and national levels respectively, and as one who remains deeply invested in the future of our democracy. I have seen our democracy tested, strained, and sometimes bent – but not broken. Our focus is on the trajectory of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
4. We must ask, with candour and courage: what is working, what is failing, and what must change? The question isn’t just timely; it’s profound.
5. I initially was reluctant to accept the chair for this occasion, not because the subject matter was not appropriate or germane, but more because of how close we are to an election year. I am also inclined to wonder whether we are prepared to make this a productive discussion, rather than a platform to push our respective political agendas.
6. For us to make it a meaningful session this morning, in recognition and appreciation of the organisers, our respectful leaders, starting with one of ours, the special guest honour, I will propose and appeal that we do not see this event as a campaign platform, be it for the speakers or the participants. It is not a time to speak from our political divides. Let us drop our political gowns. Present here are leaders from all parts of the country, who have one way or another played significant roles, and some still play active roles. Let us discuss as patriotic Nigerians, with a common goal to make our beloved country great.
7. Our discussion should be about the message, not the messenger, as complex and daunting as this might be. In the current political climate, today, we must all step up to make the discussion productive, and produce results that we can take away with us to begin to implement to ensure the 4th Republic is truly successful.
8. Some things are working or have worked. Accepting that does not mean we are in support of the present government. At the same time, some things are not working, and we should have the courage and conviction to say so. Individuals who criticise the wrong things should not be seen as enemies of the institution or government.
9. I am encouraged by the quality of leaders present and the speakers invited to address the topic. These are individuals whose politics or style you may not like, but you cannot deny their capacity or ability to contribute to nation-building.
10. Countries that have excelled have done that through deliberate and intentional acts like this, with a focus and plan for how to improve or correct the things required to make democracy work for its people.
11. An enduring civil rule of over 26 years, with peaceful power changes across political parties, is an achievement of note. Freedom of speech, media pluralism, open criticism of government, vibrant civil society and social media, courts that have, at times, restrained excesses are successes and examples of what has worked and is working. They are developments that we should be proud of and when added to the fact of an economy that expanded from $57 billion in 1999 to over $243 billion, one of the largest in Africa, with new sectors like Fintech, entertainment and creative industry, they are significant developments.
12. Despite that, some will argue that democratic continuity without quality is not success. So, as we discuss what’s not working, on which I am sure our speakers will go into detail, I would like us to consider what will move us from survival, sustainable democracy, to addressing our failure to use democracy to bring about positive transformation and to make it serve the Nigerian people better, as well as work for ordinary citizens.
13. In that light, I will want to highlight four issues which in my opinion are critical and sit above all the specific issues such as the economy, education, health, and infrastructure. For me, these four issues are: (a) Judicial independence and quick dispensation of justice;
    (b) Improved moral standards/society value;
    (c) Effective fight against corruption and building a society where there are consequences for bad behaviour and non-adherence to the rule of law; and finally,
    (d) Credible Elections.
    14. I hope the speakers and contributors will share their thoughts on all these issues. History will not judge us by how long the Fourth Republic survived, but by how well it serves the Nigerian people and shapes democracy. The judgment of history is still being written. I hope that when that history is completed, this bright morning in January 2026 in ABUJA will be remembered as one of the days that Nigerians put together a plan to rebuild their nation.

Thank you.