Democracy Day: Tinubu to address National Assembly June 12

President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to address a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12 as part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

The address forms part of a series of official events planned by the Federal Government to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day, according to the Inter-Ministerial Committee inaugurated to coordinate the nationwide programme.

Other activities lined up for the celebration include a World Press Conference on June 4, special Juma’at prayers on June 5, an inter-denominational church service on June 7, a Democracy Day public lecture on June 9, youth and women-focused programmes on June 10, a presidential broadcast on June 12, and a Democracy Day gala night.

During the inauguration of the committee, the Federal Government paid tribute to the late Chief MKO Abiola and other heroes of the June 12 struggle.

A statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation quoted SGF George Akume as saying Democracy Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by Nigerians who fought for democratic governance.

Akume described the June 12 anniversary as an important moment to honour those who contributed to Nigeria’s democratic journey.

“The democratic values and institutions being strengthened across the country today are founded on the sacrifices and struggles of patriots and democrats who fought for the enthronement of democratic rule in Nigeria,” he said.

He paid special tribute to the heroes of the June 12, 1993 struggle, particularly the late MKO Abiola, whose sacrifice and commitment to democracy contributed to the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day.

Akume also stated that the celebration would allow the Federal Government to showcase its achievements and reaffirm its commitment to democratic ideals, institutional strengthening, and national development.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s administration intends to use the occasion to highlight progress made in consolidating democracy, strengthening institutions, and implementing reforms despite socio-economic challenges.

With preparations ongoing ahead of the anniversary, Akume directed committee members to begin work immediately to ensure successful execution of all approved activities.

He said the celebration would be “modest but purposeful” in line with the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Akume added that the committee had been divided into sub-committees to oversee different aspects of the programme and instructed members to submit their budgets for approval.

He expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver a successful commemoration and urged stakeholders to work together to ensure the celebration serves as a fitting tribute to Nigeria’s democratic heroes and reinforces the country’s commitment to democratic governance.

The committee is chaired by the SGF and includes ministers, security chiefs, and senior government officials, including representatives from Information, Interior, Defence, Finance, and Foreign Affairs ministries, alongside security agencies.

Nigeria marks Democracy Day every June 12 to honour the country’s democratic journey and commemorate the June 12, 1993 presidential election widely believed to have been won by the late MKO Abiola