President Tinubu To Mark Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day With Nationwide Broadcast And National Assembly Address.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will commemorate Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day on Thursday, 12 June 2025, with a nationwide broadcast at 7:00 AM, followed by a special address to a joint session of the National Assembly at noon. The announcements, made by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Democracy Day Celebration, highlight a packed schedule to mark 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria, a milestone rooted in the historic 1993 presidential election won by Chief MKO Abiola.
The Federal Government has declared 12 June a public holiday to honour the occasion, with the theme “26 Years of Democracy: Renewing Our Commitment to National Development.” The day’s events will also include a public lecture at 4:00 PM at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, titled “Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms.” The lecture, to be covered exclusively by accredited State House correspondents, will feature discussions among top government officials, political leaders, and civil society representatives on strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Initially, a traditional military parade was planned as part of the celebrations, but it has been cancelled without an official explanation. Instead, the focus will be on President Tinubu’s engagements, starting with the morning broadcast, which is expected to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and outline his administration’s vision for continued reforms. The joint National Assembly session, held in the House of Representatives chamber, will include goodwill messages from former presiding officers and the conferment of national honours on select legislators for their contributions to democratic governance.
The decision to deliver the Democracy Day address directly from the National Assembly, rather than solely through a broadcast, underscores the administration’s emphasis on collaboration with the legislature. Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, confirmed that all other scheduled activities will proceed as planned, expressing gratitude for public support.
The 2025 Democracy Day marks Tinubu’s third such celebration since taking office in 2023 after a closely contested election. The day commemorates the annulled 1993 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists, including Abiola, his wife Kudirat, and others who lost their lives in the struggle against military rule.
However, the celebrations come against a backdrop of public discontent. Opposition figures, such as PDP chieftain Dele Momodu, have warned of Nigeria’s risk of sliding into a “civilian dictatorship,” pointing to economic hardships and perceived governance lapses. Tinubu’s administration has faced scrutiny over policies like fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms, which, while attracting over $30 billion in foreign direct investment, have been blamed for exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis. Despite these challenges, supporters like FCT Minister Nyesom Wike have hailed Tinubu’s infrastructure achievements, such as new roads in Abuja, as evidence of progress that could thwart opposition efforts to unseat him in 2027.
As Nigeria reflects on 26 years of democracy, President Tinubu’s addresses are expected to call for renewed patriotism and unity, urging citizens to support ongoing reforms to secure a prosperous future. The events of 12 June will serve as both a celebration of democratic resilience and a platform to address the nation’s pressing challenges.