President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to address a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12 as part of the official activities marking this year’s Democracy Day celebration. The upcoming legislative address forms part of a series of national events organized by the Federal Government to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day, according to an announcement by the Inter-Ministerial Committee inaugurated on Tuesday to coordinate the nationwide programme. Other activities lined up for the annual 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, and targeted youth and women-oriented programmes on June 10. The anniversary on June 12 will feature a presidential broadcast alongside the joint legislative address, followed by a Democracy Day Gala night later in the evening.
During the inauguration of the committee, the Federal Government paid tribute to the late Chief MKO Abiola and other prominent heroes of the June 12 democratic struggle. A statement issued by Yomi Odunuga, the Media Aide to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, noted that the SGF, George Akume, described the anniversary as an important moment to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by Nigerians who fought for democratic governance. Akume stated, “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,” The SGF praised the historical commitment of the late MKO Abiola, whose supreme sacrifice led to the formal institutionalization of June 12 as the national Democracy Day.
The SGF further explained that the celebration would offer the Federal Government a valuable platform to showcase its achievements and reinforce its long-term commitment to democratic ideals, institutional strengthening, and national development. He remarked that the administration of President Bola Tinubu would use the historic occasion to demonstrate the progress made in consolidating democratic processes and implementing public reforms despite prevailing socio-economic challenges. With only ten days remaining until the anniversary, Akume directed members of the newly constituted committee to commence operational duties immediately to ensure the successful execution of all approved programmes.
He added that the national celebration would be modest but purposeful, reflecting the strict commitment of the current government to fiscal responsibility. Akume disclosed that the central committee has been structured into various specialized sub-committees tasked with managing specific components of the event, and he directed all sub-committee secretaries to submit their budgets for immediate consideration and approval. Expressing deep confidence in the capacity of the committee to deliver an excellent commemoration, the SGF urged all relevant stakeholders to collaborate effectively to ensure that the celebration serves as a worthy tribute to democratic heroes.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee is chaired directly by the SGF and comprises key cabinet ministers, security chiefs, and senior government administrators. The membership includes 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. Nigeria marks Democracy Day every June 12 to commemorate the return of the country to civil democratic rule in 1999 and to honor the legacy of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which is widely acknowledged to have been won by the late MKO Abiola.
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