President Bola Tinubu will address a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12 as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
The presidential address is among a series of events approved by the Federal Government to commemorate the annual observance, according to the Inter-Ministerial Committee inaugurated on Tuesday to coordinate the nationwide programme.
Other activities scheduled 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.
Inaugurating the committee, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and other pro-democracy activists whose sacrifices contributed to the entrenchment of democratic governance in Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by the SGF’s Media Aide, Yomi Odunuga, Akume described Democracy Day as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for democratic rule.
“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,” Akume said.
He noted that the June 12 anniversary remains a significant milestone in Nigeria’s political history and serves as a fitting occasion to honour individuals who played pivotal roles in the nation’s democratic journey.
The SGF paid special tribute to the late MKO Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, stating that his commitment to democratic ideals ultimately led to the official recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day.
Akume said the celebration would also provide an avenue for the Federal Government to highlight its achievements and reaffirm its commitment to democratic governance, institutional development and national progress.
He added that the administration of President Tinubu would use the occasion to showcase strides made in strengthening democratic institutions and implementing key reforms despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.
With preparations entering the final stages ahead of the anniversary, Akume directed members of the committee to commence work immediately to ensure the successful execution of all approved activities.
He stressed that this year’s celebration would be “modest but purposeful,” in line with the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and prudent management of public resources.
The SGF further disclosed that the committee had been divided into several sub-committees responsible for various aspects of the programme and instructed their secretaries to submit budget proposals for approval.
Expressing confidence in the committee’s capacity to deliver a successful commemoration, Akume urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure that the celebration serves as a worthy tribute to Nigeria’s democratic heroes and reinforces the nation’s commitment to democratic governance.
The committee is chaired by the SGF and comprises key ministers, security chiefs and senior government officials, including the Ministers of Information, Interior, Defence, Finance and Foreign Affairs, as well as the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services.
Nigeria observes Democracy Day annually on June 12 in honour of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election and the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists who fought for the restoration and sustenance of democratic rule in the country.
