The Federal Government has declared Thursday, June 12, 2025, as a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day, celebrating 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule and democratic resilience
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Thursday, June 12, 2025, as a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
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The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government.
In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the Minister congratulated Nigerians on the milestone achievement of 26 consecutive years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
“June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign, peace is sustained, and our future assured. The last 26 years tells the story of our resilience, strength, and courage — and a hope renewed more than ever,” the Minister stated.
June 12 is nationally recognised as Democracy Day in Nigeria, commemorating the annulled 1993 presidential election — widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.
The symbolic date was officially designated as Democracy Day in 2018 to replace May 29, following a decision by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Renewed Hope government is firmly committed to the universal value of democracy — a system grounded in the freely expressed will of the people to shape Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and cultural future.
This year’s observance marks more than two decades of civil governance since the country’s return to democracy in 1999.
Events across the nation will reflect on the progress, challenges, and aspirations that define Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The statement reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and values.
“Democracy is sustained with open doors for further improvement,” Dr Tunji-Ojo noted. “The Renewed Hope government is firmly committed to the universal value of democracy — a system grounded in the freely expressed will of the people to shape Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and cultural future.”
In preparation for the national holiday, an inter-ministerial committee chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has been coordinating commemorative activities.
President Tinubu is also expected to address a joint session of the National Assembly on Democracy Day.
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Democracy Day 2025 is not just a public holiday but a national reflection point on the resilience of Nigerian democracy, the sacrifices made by past heroes, and the work still needed to build a more inclusive and accountable society.
