A scheduled national broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day anniversary has been officially cancelled. Instead, the president is now expected to address the nation directly from the chambers of the National Assembly.
The change in plans was announced on Wednesday by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations. According to the statement, the adjustment was made in light of President Tinubu’s planned appearance at a joint session of the National Assembly, which is set to take place on Thursday, June 13, 2025.
No further details were provided regarding the nature or length of the president’s remarks. However, it was indicated that the decision to speak from the National Assembly aligns with the administration’s effort to mark Democracy Day in a more symbolic and institutionally significant setting.
President Tinubu’s participation in the joint session is expected to be part of the broader commemorative activities recognizing the return to civilian rule in Nigeria and the enduring role of democratic institutions in governance.
As the address is anticipated to touch on matters of national importance, citizens and political observers alike will be watching closely for updates on policy, reforms, and the administration’s ongoing priorities.
“Due to President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled attendance at the National Assembly Joint Session, the Presidential National Broadcast on June 12 has been cancelled. President Tinubu will deliver his address from the National Assembly,” he stated.
Despite the cancelled broadcast, other events lined up to mark Democracy Day will still go on as planned.
Meanwhile, an earlier notice sent to journalists confirmed the cancellation of the traditional military parade, which was initially scheduled as part of the Democracy Day celebrations.
No official explanation was provided for the parade’s cancellation.
In addition to his address at the National Assembly, President Tinubu is also expected to participate in a special joint session at 12 noon.
A public lecture themed “Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms” will follow later in the day at 4 p.m. at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
Only accredited State House correspondents will cover the lecture.
The revised Democracy Day schedule was announced by Abdulhakeem Adeoye, on behalf of the Director of Information & Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. It reads:
“The Inter-Ministerial Committee wishes to announce the following developments on the 26th Democracy Day celebration:
1. Presidential National Broadcast on June 12, 2025, at 7 a.m.
2. No Democracy Day Parade.
3. H.E. President Bola Tinubu is to attend the National Assembly Joint Session at 12 noon.
4. Public Lecture on Democracy Day Celebration at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. Time: 4 p.m.
Theme: Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms.”