Tinubu to Address Nation from National Assembly on Democracy Day

President Tinubu to Address Nation on Democracy Day

Abuja, June 11, 2025 – President Bola Tinubu will mark Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day by delivering a special address to the nation, not through the traditional nationwide broadcast, but directly from the National Assembly chambers. This change in protocol was announced on Wednesday, with the Presidency attributing the adjustment to Tinubu’s scheduled attendance at a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, June 12.

The President’s address is set for 7 a.m., followed by his appearance at the National Assembly at noon, where he will speak to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives. This year’s Democracy Day celebrations will not feature the customary military parade, which has been cancelled without official explanation. The day’s activities will conclude with a public lecture at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja at 4 p.m., themed “Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms”.

Significance of June 12

This year marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria, following the end of military rule in 1999. Democracy Day, originally observed on May 29, was moved to June 12 in 2018 to honor the annulled 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, and presumed to have been won by the late Chief MKO Abiola56789. The date has since become a symbol of Nigeria’s democratic aspirations and the struggle for free and fair elections.

What to Expect from Tinubu’s Address

President Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech is expected to highlight:

• Progress in Nigeria’s democratic journey and the importance of sustaining democratic values.
• Ongoing reforms under his Renewed Hope Agenda and the government’s commitment to national development
• The need for national unity and collective responsibility in deepening democracy. Reflections on the historic 1993 election and the sacrifices made for Nigeria’s democracy..

The joint session at the National Assembly is also expected to feature goodwill messages from former presiding officers and the conferment of national honors on select legislators.

National Mood and Criticisms

While the day is meant for celebration and reflection, concerns remain about the health of Nigeria’s democracy. Opposition figures like Dele Momodu have warned of a slide toward “civilian dictatorship,” citing economic hardship and a perceived disconnect between leaders and citizens. The day’s events are expected to spark renewed national conversation about democratic reforms and the future of governance in Nigeria.