As part of the 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day commemorations, the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications held the Nigerian leg of its panel series titled "National Will and Democratic Resistance: 10th Anniversary of 15 July" in the capital, Abuja.
The event, which was attended by many academics, journalists, citizens, diplomats, and representatives of civil society, discussed the treacherous coup attempt by the Fetullah GülenTerrorist Organisation (FETO) on the night of 15 July 2016, which targeted the constitutional order, and the democratic resistance of the Turkish nation in the protection of the national will.
During the programme, a video message from the Presidency's Head of Communications, Prof. Burhanettin Duran, addressing the participants, and the thematic video "Will of the Nation, Victory of Democracy", prepared for 15 July, were screened.
In his video message, Head of Communications Duran emphasised that Türkiye has the strength and determination to combat all threats to its sovereignty and independence. Noting that FETO poses a security threat not only to Türkiye but also to all countries in which it operates, Head of Communications Duran underscored the importance of friendly and allied countries acting in solidarity with Türkiye in countering the terrorist organisation.
Head of Communications Duran noted that 15 July offers valuable lessons for the international community in countering hybrid threats, disinformation and crises of truth and emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation and solidarity in addressing global challenges while fostering a fairer international order.
Moderated by SETA Researcher Dr Tunç Demirtaş, the panel featured speakers DrMohammed Bawa Gummi, the Chair of the Association of Türkiye Alumni in Nigeria; Fatih Erkin Mahdum, the Representative of the Yunus Emre Institute in Nigeria; RacheedAbubakar, the Representative of Muslim News Nigeria; and Dr Zainul Abideen Jibril from Skyline University in Nigeria.
In his opening address, Dr Tunç Demirtaş stated that 15 July was not merely a turning point in Türkiye’s recent history, but an experience that held important lessons at an international level regarding the protection of democracy, the national will and the constitutional order. DrDemirtaş underlined that Türkiye's experience in combating terrorism and its strong democratic resilience provide an important reference for countries confronting similar threats.
Dr Mohammed Bawa Gummi stated that the experience of 15 July provided valuable lessons on safeguarding democratic legitimacy during times of crisis, reinforcing institutional functioning, and making effective use of strategic communication, adding that this approach serves as a guide for countries combating terrorism.
Fatih Erkin Mahdum emphasised that the collective resolve demonstrated by the Turkish nation on the night of 15 July was instrumental in safeguarding the democratic order, noting that this historic experience highlighted the significance of constitutional legitimacy and social solidarity.
Racheed Abubakar highlighted that disinformation and misleading narratives circulated by the international media during the 15 July period hindered a proper understanding of the events. Abubakar stated that responsible journalism based on credible sources and verification mechanisms is critical for accurately informing the public during times of crisis.
Dr Zainul Abideen Jibril stated that he personally witnessed the night of 15 July in Bursa and that the citizens' common will and determination are the strongest guarantees of democratic legitimacy. Jibril underscored the importance of developing cooperation between Türkiye and Nigeria to improve institutional resilience, intelligence sharing, and trust between society and the state.
As part of the programme, a photo exhibition themed around 15 July was also opened to visitors, and the documentary film “Break of Dawn” was screened.
