President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cancelled the traditional military parade and the annual presidential broadcast initially scheduled to mark Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The announcement was made through an official statement by the Federal Government on Wednesday, June 11.
The traditional military parade has long been a hallmark of Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebrations, symbolizing the strength and unity of the nation’s armed forces while honoring the significance of June 12; the date that commemorates the 1993 presidential election widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest. Held annually at Eagle Square in Abuja, the parade has typically featured military drills, speeches, and high-profile attendance by top government officials and foreign dignitaries.
According to a notice sent to journalists and signed by Abdulhakeem Adeoye on behalf of the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Federal Government outlined major changes in the Democracy Day schedule. The notice read:
“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. [Cancelled]; 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 pm. Theme: ‘Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms.’”
The cancellation of the early morning presidential broadcast was attributed to the President’s scheduled participation in the special joint session of the National Assembly, which is expected to feature his formal address to the nation. Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, confirmed this in a separate statement:
“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.”
The President’s Democracy Day speech, which typically sets the tone for national reflection and policy direction, will now be delivered from the National Assembly chambers. Other planned events, including the public lecture themed “Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms”, will proceed as scheduled at the State House Conference Centre.
