President Bola Ahmed 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 outlined by the Federal Government to commemorate the anniversary, 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.
Speaking during the inauguration of the committee, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said Democracy Day provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices of those who fought for democratic governance in the country.
He paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and other pro-democracy activists whose efforts contributed to the restoration and consolidation of democratic rule.
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According to Akume, the democratic institutions and values enjoyed today were built on the sacrifices of patriots who struggled for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria.
He noted that the June 12 anniversary remains a significant occasion to honour the heroes of the democratic struggle and celebrate the progress made in strengthening democratic governance.
The SGF also said the Tinubu administration would use the occasion to highlight achievements recorded in governance, institutional reforms and national development while reaffirming its commitment to democratic ideals despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.
Akume directed members of the committee to commence work immediately to ensure the successful implementation of all approved programmes, describing the celebration as one that would be “modest but purposeful” in line with the government’s fiscal responsibility policy.
The committee, chaired by the SGF, comprises key ministers, security chiefs and senior government officials, including 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 annually on June 12 in honour of the historic 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the nation’s history and believed to have been won by the late MKO Abiola.