June 12: Tinubu To Address Joint National Assembly Session

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will address a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12 as part of activities lined up for the 27th Democracy Day celebration.

The disclosure came yesterday as the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for the 2026 Democracy Day celebration and charged members to begin immediate preparations for the national event.

During the inauguration at the SGF’s Conference Room in Shehu Shagari Complex, Abuja, Akume said the June 12 celebration provides an opportunity to reflect on the resilience, courage and sacrifices of Nigerians who fought for democratic governance.

In a statement by his spokesman, Yomi Odunuga, the SGF paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12, 1993 struggle and the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, whose sacrifice and commitment to democracy led to the recognition of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

He noted that the democratic values and institutions being strengthened across the country today were built on the sacrifices of patriots and pro-democracy activists who fought for the enthronement of democratic rule.

Akume said the celebration would also provide an opportunity for the Federal Government to showcase its achievements and reaffirm its commitment to democratic ideals, institutional strengthening and national development.

According to him, the administration of President Tinubu will use the occasion to demonstrate the progress made in consolidating democracy, strengthening institutions and repositioning the country through various reform initiatives despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.

The SGF noted that with only 10 days to the anniversary, members of the committee must commence work immediately to ensure the successful execution of all activities approved for the celebration.

He added that in line with the mood of the nation and the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, this year’s Democracy Day events would be modest but purposeful.

Akume announced that activities approved for the 27th Democracy Day celebration include a World Press Conference on June 4, Special Juma’at Prayers on June 5, a Special Inter-denominational Church Service on June 7, a Democracy Day Public Lecture on June 9, and Youth and Women-Oriented Programmes on June 10.

Other events include a Presidential Broadcast by President Tinubu on June 12, a Joint National Assembly Address by the President on the same day, and a Democracy Day Gala Night.

The SGF also disclosed that the Inter-Ministerial Committee had been divided into various sub-committees to oversee the different activities, while directing all sub-committee secretaries to submit their budgets promptly to facilitate seamless implementation of the programmes.

He expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver a successful and memorable celebration that would reflect Nigeria’s democratic achievements and aspirations.