The Federal Government has announced the cancellation of the traditional military parade earlier scheduled to mark the 26th Democracy Day celebration on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
According to a statement released Wednesday by Abdulhakeem Adeoye from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the parade—previously expected to hold at the Presidential Villa—will no longer take place.
Instead, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will address the nation in a live broadcast at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday. Later in the day, he is also scheduled to attend a special joint session of the National Assembly at 12 noon.
This marks a change from earlier plans, as previously announced by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. Speaking through the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, during the inauguration of the inter-ministerial committee for the celebration, Akume had confirmed the parade would be part of the day’s events.
The government, however, says the changes reflect a broader approach to commemorating the day. A public lecture themed “Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms” will hold at 4:00 p.m. at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
The revised schedule was released by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Democracy Day Celebrations and highlights a shift in focus toward national reflection and legislative engagement.
