Tinubu Cancels Democracy Day Parade, Set to Address Nation

By Emmanuel Kwada

President Bola Tinubu will address Nigerians at 7 am on Thursday, June 12, as part of the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations, marking 26 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria. The address will be followed by a joint session of the National Assembly at noon, according to a statement by Abdulhakeem Adeoye, representing the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Democracy Day.

Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms” will take place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja at 4 pm

However, the traditional Democracy Day parade has been cancelled, with no reasons provided. Later in the day, a public lecture themed “Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms” will take place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja at 4 pm.

This year’s celebration, the third under President Tinubu’s administration, comes amid growing criticism of Nigeria’s democratic progress. Originally observed on May 29, Democracy Day was shifted to June 12 in 2018 to commemorate the annulled 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s most credible, won by MKO Abiola.

We’ve damaged this democracy, and I hope we’ve not damaged it beyond repair

Despite the milestone of 26 years of democracy, concerns are mounting over the state of governance. Dele Momodu, a prominent publisher and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, warned on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief that Nigeria is sliding into a “civilian dictatorship.”

He lamented the growing disconnect between leaders and citizens, stating, “Nigerians are hungry… We’ve damaged this democracy, and I hope we’ve not damaged it beyond repair.” Momodu criticized the “audacity” of politicians across the executive, legislature, and local government, urging reflection as the nation commemorates June 12.

The 2025 Democracy Day events highlight both Nigeria’s democratic endurance and the urgent calls for reforms to address deepening public discontent.