The Federal Government has officially cancelled the traditional military parade for the 2025 Democracy Day celebration, scheduled for Thursday, June 12.
This marks a departure from previous commemorations, as this year’s observance of Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day will not feature the ceremonial parade.
The announcement was made in a schedule released by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Democracy Day Celebration.
According to the release, President Bola Tinubu will instead deliver a nationwide broadcast at 7:00am on Thursday, setting the tone for the day’s activities.
“The President will address the nation in a broadcast to be aired by 7am. There will be no military parade this year,” a source familiar with the committee’s plans disclosed.
Following the broadcast, Tinubu is scheduled to appear before a special joint session of the National Assembly at 12 noon, where he is expected to speak on the state of the nation and Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999.
“The joint session will be a moment for reflections on our democratic growth, national challenges, and the necessity for unity and reform,” the committee’s statement noted.
Later in the day, a public lecture will be held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja by 4:00pm. The lecture will bring together political leaders, civil society stakeholders, and government officials under the theme: “Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms.”
The event aims to deepen public discourse on institutional reforms, democratic consolidation, and the future of governance in Nigeria.
Citizens were encouraged to actively participate in the day’s events by tuning in to the broadcast and contributing to the national conversation.
“Democracy is not a spectator sport,” a senior committee member emphasized. “We urge Nigerians to reflect, engage, and recommit to the democratic ideals that bind us.”
