June 12: Akume heads democracy day celebration committee 

…Says celebration will be modest 

George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), on Tuesday, inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for the 27th Democracy Day Celebration, to be chaired by him

Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the SGF, in a statement, said Akume described Democracy Day as an opportunity to reflect on the resilience, courage and determination of Nigerians who made immense sacrifices in the struggle for democratic governance.

The SGF announced that activities approved for the 27th Democracy Day Celebration include a World Press Conference on Thursday, June 4, 2026; Special Juma’at Prayers on Friday, June 5, 2026; a Special Inter-denominational Church Service on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

This year’s event will also feature Democracy Day Public Lecture on Tuesday, June 9, 2026; Youth and Women-Oriented Programmes on Wednesday, June 10, 2026; a Presidential Broadcast on Friday, June 12, 2026; a Joint National Assembly Address by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday, June 12, 2026; and a Democracy Day Gala Night later the same day.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee is divided into various sub-committees to handle the different activities, adding that the terms of reference and membership of the sub-committees would be communicated by the Secretariat.

Akume paid glowing tribute to the heroes of the June 12, 1993, democratic struggle and the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, whose sacrifice and commitment to democracy led to the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day.

He noted that the democratic values and institutions being strengthened across the country today are founded on the sacrifices and struggles of patriots and democrats who fought for the enthronement of democratic rule in Nigeria.

According to him, commemorating Democracy Day remains a fitting and necessary way of honouring their memory while celebrating the nation’s democratic progress.

Akume noted further that Democracy Day provides the Federal Government with an opportunity to showcase its achievements and reaffirm its commitment to democratic ideals, institutional strengthening and national development.

The celebration of Democracy Day was initiated by the late former President Muhammad Buhari in 2019, in memory of Abiola, who was the winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, which was later annulled by the then Military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida.

Akume said the celebration would enable the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate to Nigerians the progress recorded in consolidating democracy, strengthening institutions and repositioning the country through various reform initiatives despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.

The SGF observed that with only ten days to the June 12 anniversary, members of the committee must immediately commence work to ensure the successful execution of all activities earmarked for the celebration.

He stressed that in line with the mood of the nation and the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, this year’s Democracy Day activities would be modest but purposeful.

He directed all sub-committee secretaries to submit their budgets promptly for consideration and approval in order to ensure seamless implementation of the programmes.