Tinubu cancels Democracy Day broadcast, to address National Assembly instead

Summary

• President Tinubu cancels scheduled June 12 nationwide broadcast
• He will speak directly to a joint session of the National Assembly at noon
• Traditional military parade also cancelled, but public lecture to hold as planned

Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has cancelled his planned nationwide broadcast to commemorate Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day anniversary on June 12, 2025. Instead, he will deliver his Democracy Day address during a joint session of the National Assembly at 12 noon the same day.

This change was announced on Wednesday, June 11, by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

According to the statement, the shift is due to the president’s scheduled participation in the special legislative session, where he is expected to speak on the state of the nation, Nigeria’s democratic journey, and the urgency of enduring reforms.

Also cancelled is the traditional military parade, a staple of Democracy Day celebrations. While no reason was given for the parade’s cancellation, other activities will go on as planned.

Notably, a public lecture themed “Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms” will be held at 4:00 p.m. at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. The lecture will feature contributions from top government officials, political leaders, and civil society representatives, with media coverage limited to accredited State House correspondents.

This year marks 26 years since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999. June 12 is observed to honour the annulled 1993 presidential election, widely considered one of the freest and fairest in the country’s history.

The decision to cancel the broadcast has sparked mixed reactions with some citizens offering light-hearted takes and others criticising the move.