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Nigerian President Bola Tinubu will address a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12 as part of the activities marking this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
The address forms part of a series of official events that the Nigerian government has lined up to commemorate Democracy Day 2026.
The schedule was announced by an inter-ministerial committee, which was inaugurated on Tuesday to coordinate the nationwide programme.
The line-up of activities includes a World Press Conference on June 4, special Juma’at prayers on June 5, an interdenominational church service on June 7, a public lecture on June 9, youth- and women-oriented programmes on June 10, a presidential broadcast on June 12, and a gala night.
During the inauguration of the committee, the Nigerian government paid tribute to the late Chief MKO Abiola and other heroes of the June 12 struggle.
George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), noted that Democracy Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of Nigerians who fought for democratic governance.
Akume described the anniversary as a significant moment to honour patriots and democrats whose struggles founded the country’s modern democratic values and institutions.
He specifically praised the late MKO Abiola, whose sacrifice and commitment to democracy led to the official recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day.
Akume also stated that the celebration allows the Nigerian government to showcase its achievements and reaffirm its commitment to democratic ideals, institutional strengthening, and national development.
He noted that President Tinubu’s administration will use the occasion to demonstrate progress in consolidating democracy and implementing reforms despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.
With only 10 days left until the anniversary, Akume directed committee members to begin work immediately to ensure a successful execution.
He added that the government will keep the celebration modest but purposeful to maintain fiscal responsibility.
The SGF chairs the committee, which comprises key ministers, security chiefs, and senior officials, including the Ministers of Information, Interior, Defence, Finance, and Foreign Affairs, alongside the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services.
Akume divided the committee into subcommittees to handle various aspects of the event and directed secretaries to submit their budgets for approval.
Nigeria marks Democracy Day every June 12 to commemorate the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999 and to honour the legacy of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which the public widely believes the late MKO Abiola won.
