The Traffic

President Tinubu to Address Nigerians in Landmark June 12 Speech

By Achimi muktar 

In a historic first, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will mark June 12 Democracy Day not with military parades or ceremonial fanfare — but with a powerful State of the Nation address delivered directly to Nigerians through a joint session of the National Assembly.

This is the first time any Nigerian president will commemorate June 12 — the day now enshrined as Democracy Day — with such a high-level address, placing renewed emphasis on national reflection, reform, and unity.

Why This Matters

June 12 is more than just a date — it’s a symbol of Nigeria’s long and painful struggle for democracy. It marks the 1993 election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, won by late business mogul Chief Moshood Abiola. His victory, however, was annulled by the military regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, plunging the nation into turmoil.

A year later, Abiola declared himself president, was arrested, and eventually died in detention under suspicious circumstances. Decades later, his stolen mandate was posthumously recognized by President Muhammadu Buhari, who awarded him the GCFR title and officially moved Nigeria’s Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12.

What’s Happening Today

President Tinubu is set to arrive at the National Assembly complex at 12 noon for a special joint sitting of both the Senate and House of Representatives. The event is themed: “26 Years of Democracy: Renewing Our Commitment to National Development.”

Earlier proceedings will begin at 11am, including goodwill messages from past leaders and the conferment of national honours on select lawmakers — a nod to those who have played vital roles in sustaining democracy.

In a break from tradition, there will be no military parade this year, a decision the Federal Government says is to preserve the “solemnity and significance” of the address.

Later Today…

A Public Lecture on Democracy will also take place at 4pm at the State House Conference Centre. Its theme: “Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms.”

Observers see this as a clear signal that President Tinubu is gearing up to tackle deep-seated structural issues and reinforce democratic institutions as he begins his second year in office.

Why Nigerians Should Pay Attention

This joint sitting represents more than just political theatre — it’s a symbolic reaffirmation of the partnership between the executive and legislature. According to House spokesman Akintunde Rotimi, the session underscores the National Assembly’s role in fostering accountability, unity, and reform after 26 uninterrupted years of civil rule.

Nigerians are urged to reflect on the journey so far, rekindle their sense of patriotism, and renew their commitment to national progress.