The Federal Government (FG) has officially declared Thursday, June 12, 2025, a public holiday in observance of Democracy Day, marking 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria. This announcement was made public on Sunday through a statement signed by Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the FG, extended congratulations to Nigerians on this milestone. He described June 12 as a date representing “our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign, peace is sustained, and our future assured.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic progress since 1999, Tunji-Ojo highlighted the resilience, strength, and courage demonstrated by the nation over the past 26 years. He emphasized that democracy is a continuous process requiring openness and a commitment to improvement.
The Minister also reaffirmed the dedication of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration to uphold democratic values, including respecting the freely expressed will of the people in shaping Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and cultural development.
Democracy Day was officially moved from May 29 to June 12 in 2018 to honor the historic 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Moshood Abiola but annulled by the military regime.
Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to reflect on the significance of Democracy Day and to remain committed to nation-building, unity, and the preservation of democratic ideals.