By By Elizabeth Ugbo
ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu will address a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12, 2026, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day. The Federal Government announced the programme on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee tasked with coordinating the nationwide celebration. The event will commemorate Nigeria’s democratic journey, honour June 12 heroes, and showcase the administration’s democratic and governance achievements.
FG Unveils Schedule for Democracy Day Celebration
The Federal Government approved several activities for the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
The programme begins with a World Press Conference on June 4. It will continue with special Juma’at prayers on June 5 and an inter-denominational church service on June 7.
A Democracy Day public lecture will take place on June 9. In addition, youth and women-focused programmes are scheduled for June 10.
On June 12, President Tinubu will deliver a national broadcast and address lawmakers at a joint session of the National Assembly. The celebration will conclude with a Democracy Day Gala Night.
Akume Charges Committee Members to Begin Work
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, directed committee members to commence work immediately.
He noted that only 10 days remain before the anniversary. Therefore, he urged members to ensure the successful execution of all approved programmes.
Akume also disclosed that the committee had created several sub-committees to manage different aspects of the event.
Furthermore, he instructed all sub-committee secretaries to submit their budgets for approval.
According to him, this year’s celebration will be modest but purposeful. He said the approach reflects the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and prudent resource management.
FG Pays Tribute to MKO Abiola and June 12 Heroes
During the inauguration, Akume paid tribute to the late Chief MKO Abiola and other heroes of the June 12 struggle.
A statement issued by the SGF’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, quoted Akume as describing Democracy Day as a moment for reflection and national appreciation.
He said Nigerians should remember the sacrifices made by patriots who fought for democratic governance.
“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 highlighted Abiola’s role in Nigeria’s democratic history. According to him, Abiola’s commitment and sacrifice led to the recognition of June 12 as the nation’s official Democracy Day.
Democracy Day Reflects Nigeria’s Democratic Journey
Akume described the June 12 anniversary as a historic occasion.
He said the celebration honours individuals who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s democratic development.
In addition, he explained that the event offers the Federal Government an opportunity to highlight achievements in democratic governance, institutional reforms, and national development.
He added that the Tinubu administration remains committed to strengthening democratic institutions despite current socio-economic challenges.
Committee Comprises Top Government Officials
The SGF chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee.
Its membership includes the Ministers of Information, Interior, Defence, Finance, and Foreign Affairs.
Other members include the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Significance of June 12 Democracy Day
Nigeria observes Democracy Day every June 12 to commemorate the country’s democratic evolution.
The date honours the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history. Many Nigerians believe the late MKO Abiola won the election.
The annual celebration also marks Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. Moreover, it recognises the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists, civil society groups, and political leaders who fought to restore and sustain democratic governance.
