The Federal Government has declared Thursday, June 12, 2025, as a public holiday to mark this year’s Democracy Day.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the government. He congratulated Nigerians on what he described as a major milestone — 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule in the country.
The statement was released on Sunday and signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.
“June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign, peace is sustained, and our future is assured,” Tunji-Ojo said.
The minister praised the country’s resilience and progress since returning to democracy in 1999, calling it a story of strength and renewed hope.
“The last 26 years tell the story of our resilience, strength, and courage, and a hope renewed more than ever,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo added that democracy allows room for growth and improvement. He assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains committed to protecting the values of democracy.
He said the government will continue to respect the will of the people in deciding Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and cultural paths.
“Democracy is built on the freely-expressed will of the people, and we are committed to making sure those voices count in all areas of governance,” the minister added.
June 12 was declared Nigeria’s official Democracy Day in honour of the 1993 presidential election, believed to be one of the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history. The election, presumed to have been won by the late MKO Abiola, was annulled by the military regime at the time.
Since the change from May 29 to June 12 in 2018, the day has been celebrated to honour Nigeria’s democratic struggles and the sacrifices made for the freedom enjoyed today.
