President Bola Tinubu will address a joint sitting of the National Assembly on June 12 as part of events commemorating this year’s Democracy Day.
The speech is one of several activities planned by the Federal Government for the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, according to the Inter-Ministerial Committee inaugurated on Tuesday to oversee the nationwide programme.
Scheduled events 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.
While inaugurating the committee, the Federal Government honoured the late Chief MKO Abiola and other figures associated with the June 12 pro-democracy movement.
In a statement issued by the Media Aide to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga, the SGF, George Akume, said Democracy Day offers Nigerians a chance to reflect on the sacrifices of those who fought for democratic governance.
Akume described the June 12 anniversary as an important occasion to recognise individuals who played key roles in Nigeria’s democratic development.
“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.
The SGF also honoured the heroes of the June 12, 1993 struggle, especially the late MKO Abiola, whose dedication and sacrifice for democracy, he noted, contributed to June 12 being officially recognised as Democracy Day.
Akume further stated that the celebration would serve as a platform for the Federal Government to highlight its accomplishments and renew its dedication to democratic principles, stronger institutions, and national progress.
He added that President Bola Tinubu’s administration would use the event to showcase gains made in deepening democracy, reinforcing institutions, and carrying out reforms despite existing socio-economic difficulties.
With only 10 days remaining before the anniversary, Akume instructed committee members to commence work without delay to ensure the smooth implementation of all approved activities.
He also noted that the celebration would be “modest but purposeful” in keeping with the government’s commitment to prudent spending.
According to Akume, the committee has been organised into sub-committees responsible for different aspects of the programme, with all sub-committee secretaries directed to submit their budgets for approval.
He expressed optimism about the committee’s capacity to deliver a successful celebration and encouraged all stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring the event appropriately honours Nigeria’s democratic heroes while reinforcing the nation’s commitment to democratic governance.
The committee is headed by the SGF and includes major ministers, security leaders, and senior government officials, such as 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 every June 12 to celebrate the nation’s democratic journey and honour the legacy of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which is widely regarded as having been won by the late MKO Abiola.
