The Presidency has officially confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not deliver a nationwide broadcast to Nigerians in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day, June 12.
Instead, the President will mark the occasion by addressing a special joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja. This was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, in a statement released to the press.
According to Onanuga, President Tinubu’s speech before lawmakers will focus on Nigeria’s democratic journey, particularly the events that have shaped the nation since the pivotal year of 1993, when the struggle for democratic governance reached a critical turning point.
"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will address a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, Democracy Day," Onanuga said. “In his speech, he will reflect on our nation’s democratic evolution since 1993, pay tribute to the men and women who fought for democratic freedoms, and outline his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.”
Change in Tradition
The decision to forgo the traditional presidential broadcast represents a shift from previous Democracy Day commemorations. Historically, presidents have addressed the nation directly through a televised broadcast as part of the ceremonial events marking the day.
The change in format comes after an earlier announcement that the Federal Government had also cancelled the customary military parade, which is typically held to commemorate Democracy Day.
These changes are part of a new approach to this year’s celebration, as outlined by the Inter-Ministerial Committee in charge of Democracy Day planning. The focus this year, it appears, is on dialogue and reflection within key institutions of state.
Schedule of Events for June 12
The highlight of the day will be the President’s address to a joint session of the National Assembly, scheduled to begin at 12 noon. Lawmakers, top government officials, and other dignitaries are expected to be in attendance for the session, which will likely include discussions on the state of the nation, challenges to democratic governance, and the need for national cohesion and reform.
In the evening, a public lecture will be held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja at 4:00 PM. The lecture is expected to feature notable speakers who will provide insights into Nigeria’s democratic development and the way forward.
Commemorating Nigeria’s 26 Years of Democracy
This year marks the 26th anniversary of Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, following decades of military regimes. June 12 was formally recognized as Democracy Day in 2018, in honor of the annulled 1993 presidential election widely believed to have been won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.
President Tinubu, a prominent figure in the pro-democracy movement of the 1990s and a staunch advocate for the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day, is expected to use his address to renew calls for political accountability, economic transformation, and citizen participation in nation-building.
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