National News – President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to address a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12 as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
The announcement was made by the Inter-Ministerial Committee set up by the Federal Government to coordinate nationwide events for the annual commemoration.
According to the committee, the Democracy Day programme will begin with a World Press Conference on June 4, followed by special Juma’at prayers on June 5 and an inter-denominational church service on June 7. Other activities include a 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.
Inaugurating the committee in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, , said Democracy Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of Nigerians who fought for democratic governance.
Akume described the June 12 anniversary as a significant moment in the nation’s history and paid tribute to the late and other pro-democracy activists whose struggles contributed to the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria.
He noted that the democratic institutions and values being strengthened across the country today were built on the sacrifices of patriots who championed the cause of democracy.
The SGF said the celebration would also provide an avenue for the Federal Government to showcase its achievements and reaffirm its commitment to democratic governance, institutional reforms and national development.
According to him, the administration of will use the occasion to highlight progress made in consolidating democracy, strengthening institutions and implementing reforms despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.
With less than two weeks to the anniversary, Akume directed members of the committee to commence work immediately to ensure the successful execution of all approved programmes.
He added that this year’s celebration would be modest but purposeful, in line with the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
The committee, chaired by the SGF, includes key ministers, security chiefs 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 in honour of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as having been won by the late MKO Abiola, and to celebrate the country’s democratic journey.
