In a shift from tradition, President Tinubu will address Nigerians from the National Assembly on June 12, as critics raise concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democracy.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cancelled the scheduled national broadcast originally planned for 7:00 a.m. on Democracy Day, June 12, opting instead to deliver his commemorative address from the National Assembly joint session later in the day.

The announcement was made on Wednesday via a statement from Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, who confirmed that all other Democracy Day activities will proceed as earlier planned. The President is expected to speak at the joint parliamentary sitting, reinforcing the significance of the legislature in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Historically, the Democracy Day presidential address is delivered from the Aso Rock Villa and broadcast to the nation. Tinubu’s decision to speak from the National Assembly marks a symbolic shift, perhaps intended to highlight institutional collaboration or emphasize the centrality of legislative democracy.

However, the cancellation also comes at a politically sensitive moment, as growing public dissatisfaction meets rising concerns over the health of Nigeria’s democracy. This year’s celebration marks 26 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, dating back to 1999 when Nigeria transitioned from military dictatorship.

Since 2018, June 12 has been observed as Nigeria’s official Democracy Day, following a declaration by former President Muhammadu Buhari to honour M.K.O. Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election. The change was widely regarded as a corrective gesture in acknowledging Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

Yet, some prominent voices argue that the current state of Nigeria’s democracy is a shadow of the ideals that June 12 represents. Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), criticized the country’s democratic backslide on a Wednesday broadcast of Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

“I’m very happy that today coincides with the lead-up to June 12 (Democracy Day), so that if we still have any iota of conscience left, we’ll realise we have damaged this democracy,” Momodu lamented.

He warned that Nigeria is increasingly sliding into civilian dictatorship, citing the erosion of civil liberties, rising centralization of power, and suppression of dissent.

According to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Democracy Day, after President Tinubu’s address at the National Assembly around noon, a public lecture will be held at 4 p.m. at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. There will be no traditional parade or military fanfare, signaling a more reflective tone for this year’s celebration.

This will be Tinubu’s third Democracy Day in office, having assumed the presidency in May 2023 after a contentious election victory. His administration has faced growing challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, and increasing public skepticism about its democratic credentials.

While Tinubu’s shift from a nationwide broadcast to a parliamentary address may appear procedural, it carries symbolic and political weight. In an era where the legitimacy and accountability of democratic institutions are under question, the venue of a presidential address becomes more than ceremonial, it becomes political theatre.

As Nigerians reflect on over two decades of civil governance, questions remain: Is the country living up to the spirit of June 12? And how much longer can it preserve the essence of democracy without deep reforms?