President Bola Tinubu will address a joint session of Nigeria’s National Assembly on June 12 as the country marks its 27th Democracy Day, the Federal Government has announced.
The address, alongside a presidential broadcast the same day, will headline a week of events for the 2026 commemoration, according to an Inter-Ministerial Committee inaugurated on Tuesday in Abuja to coordinate the programme.
The schedule opens with a World Press Conference on June 4, followed by special Juma’at prayers on June 5, an interdenominational church service on June 7, a public lecture on June 9, and youth and women focused programmes on June 10. A gala night will close the celebration on June 12.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, who chairs the committee, said the anniversary offers a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of Nigerians who fought for democratic rule. He paid particular tribute to the late Chief MKO Abiola and other heroes of the June 12, 1993 struggle.
“The democratic values and institutions we strengthen today are founded on their struggles,” Akume said.
He added that the government would use the occasion to showcase its achievements and highlight progress in consolidating democracy, strengthening institutions and pursuing reforms despite socioeconomic challenges.
With about ten days to the anniversary, Akume directed committee members to begin work immediately and to submit budgets for approval. He said this year’s celebration would be modest but purposeful, in keeping with the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
The committee draws ministers, security chiefs and senior officials from ministries including Information, Interior, Defence, Finance and Foreign Affairs. Nigeria observes Democracy Day each June 12 to honour the 1993 presidential election widely believed to have been won by Abiola.
