President Bola Tinubu is expected to speak to Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, June 12, as the country observes Democracy Day 2026.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the address will be aired live on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) network and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). All other radio and television stations are also directed to connect to the broadcast.
The statement confirmed that the President’s message will focus on Democracy Day and the nation’s democratic journey.
The broadcast comes at a time when the country is marking the significance of June 12 amid growing concerns over insecurity in several parts of Nigeria. Recent incidents, including kidnappings in Oyo State involving schoolchildren and teachers, have heightened public tension. The situation has also led to protests and a strike action by the Nigeria Union of Teachers in affected areas.
The Federal Government had earlier declared Friday a public holiday in honour of Democracy Day. The announcement was made through the Ministry of Interior, stating that the day recognises the importance of June 12 in Nigeria’s political history and the sacrifices made in the struggle for democratic rule.
June 12 marks the anniversary of the 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest in the country’s history. The election was believed to have been won by the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, but it was annulled by the military government led at the time, triggering political unrest and a long struggle for the return of democracy.
Nigeria previously marked Democracy Day on May 29, but it was later moved to June 12 in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari to honour the significance of the 1993 election and pro-democracy movements.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to use his address to reflect on the country’s democratic progress and current national issues as Nigerians commemorate the day.