Tinubu to Address Joint Session of National Assembly as FG Unveils Democracy Day Programme

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to address a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12 as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day anniversary.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) during the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) responsible for coordinating the nationwide celebration.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who inaugurated the committee at the Shehu Shagari Complex in Abuja, said the presidential address would serve as one of the major highlights of the Democracy Day commemoration.

Akume described Democracy Day as a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey and an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of citizens who fought for the restoration and sustenance of democratic governance.

He paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12 struggle, particularly the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, whose widely acclaimed victory in the June 12, 1993 presidential election became a symbol of the country’s democratic aspirations.

According to the SGF, the annual observance also provides an avenue for the Federal Government to showcase achievements recorded in strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance and advancing national development despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.

With preparations entering the final stretch ahead of the anniversary, Akume charged members of the committee to commence work immediately to ensure a successful celebration.

He noted that this year’s activities would be modest and reflective of the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline while remaining meaningful and impactful.

The Federal Government approved a lineup of activities for the celebration, beginning 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 events include a Democracy Day Public Lecture scheduled for June 9 and special programmes targeted at youths and women on June 10.

On June 12, President Tinubu is expected to deliver both a national broadcast and a joint address to lawmakers at the National Assembly, while a Democracy Day Gala Night will conclude the day’s activities.

Democracy Day is observed annually on June 12 in honour of the historic 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll, and to celebrate the country’s uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999.