The Nigerian government has officially designated Thursday, June 12, 2025, as a public holiday to commemorate the country’s Democracy Day, celebrating over two and a half decades of continuous civilian governance.
Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the declaration on Sunday via the ministry’s official social media platform, extending congratulations to all Nigerians as the nation prepares to mark 26 years since the return to democratic rule.
The announcement comes as Nigeria reflects on its democratic journey since 1999, when military rule ended and civilian governance was restored. The June 12 date holds particular significance in Nigerian political history, originally commemorating the annulled 1993 presidential election won by Chief MKO Abiola.
Speaking on behalf of the federal government, Dr. Tunji-Ojo noted the symbolic importance of the occasion in Nigeria’s ongoing democratic evolution.
“June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured,” the minister stated.
The minister used the occasion to highlight Nigeria’s democratic endurance despite various challenges over the past quarter-century.
“The last 26 years tells the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope renewed than ever,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo said, making reference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” administration slogan.
The statement reflects the government’s effort to frame Nigeria’s democratic experience as a success story of African governance, despite periods of political turbulence and economic challenges that have tested the nation’s institutional frameworks.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo used the holiday declaration to reinforce the current administration’s dedication to democratic principles, noting that sustainable democracy requires continuous improvement and adaptation.
The minister “reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to the universal value of democracy that is based on freely-expressed will of the people in determining Nigeria’s political, economic, social and cultural systems.”
The holiday declaration was formalised through the Ministry of Interior, with Permanent Secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani signing the official statement on June 8, 2025, giving citizens advance notice of the upcoming national holiday.
The announcement follows established government protocol for declaring public holidays, ensuring adequate preparation time for both public and private sector organisations across the country.
Democracy Day has become an annual fixture in Nigeria’s national calendar, providing an opportunity for reflection on democratic progress and challenges while celebrating the country’s political stability in a region that has experienced significant political upheaval in recent years.
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