President Bola Tinubu will address a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12 as part of activities lined up for the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
The presidential address is among several events approved by the Federal Government to mark the annual commemoration of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Details of the programme were unveiled on Tuesday by the Inter-Ministerial Committee set up to coordinate the nationwide celebrations.
According to the schedule, activities will begin with a World Press Conference on June 4, followed by special Juma’at prayers on June 5 and an inter-denominational church service on June 7. A Democracy Day public lecture is scheduled for June 9, while youth and women-focused programmes will hold on June 10. Other events include a presidential broadcast on June 12 and a Democracy Day Gala Night.
Speaking during the inauguration of the committee, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, paid tribute to the late Chief MKO Abiola and other prominent figures who played significant roles in the June 12 democratic struggle.
In a statement issued by the SGF’s Media Aide, Yomi Odunuga, Akume said Democracy Day offers Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for democratic governance in the country.
He described the June 12 anniversary as an important occasion for honouring individuals whose contributions helped shape Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
“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.
Akume particularly acknowledged the late MKO Abiola, noting that his sacrifice and unwavering commitment to democracy ultimately led to the official recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day.
He added that 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.
According to him, the Tinubu administration intends to use the occasion to showcase strides made in deepening democracy, strengthening institutions and implementing reforms despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.
With the anniversary fast approaching, Akume directed members of the committee to commence work immediately to ensure the successful execution of all approved programmes.
He stressed that the commemoration would be “modest but purposeful” in line with the government’s policy of fiscal responsibility.
The SGF further disclosed that the committee had been divided into sub-committees to oversee various aspects of the celebration and instructed the secretaries of the sub-committees to submit their budgets for approval.
Expressing confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver a successful event, Akume urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure the celebration properly honours Nigeria’s democratic heroes and reinforces the nation’s commitment to democratic rule.
The committee is chaired by the SGF and includes several ministers, security chiefs and senior government officials, among them the Ministers of Information, Interior, Defence, Finance and Foreign Affairs, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services.
Nigeria observes Democracy Day every June 12 in remembrance of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as having been won by the late MKO Abiola, and as a symbol of the country’s democratic struggle and progress.