The Federal Government has announced that Thursday, June 12, 2025, will be observed as a public holiday to mark this year’s Democracy Day.
As part of the commemoration, President Bola Tinubu will deliver a presidential address to a joint session of the National Assembly at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
June 12 was officially adopted as Nigeria’s Democracy Day in 2018 in remembrance of the annulled 1993 presidential election, which is widely regarded as the country’s most credible election. The presumed winner of that poll, Chief MKO Abiola, is honored through this observance.
In a statement issued to announce the holiday, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Nigerians on over two decades of democratic governance.
“June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign, and peace is sustained and our future assured,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
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Details of the special joint sitting scheduled for June 12 were shared in a statement released on Sunday by the House of Representatives spokesperson, Akin Rotimi. He confirmed that members were notified of the event through an internal memo circulated by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr Yahaya Danzaria.
According to the memo, the session will take place in the House of Representatives Chamber at the National Assembly Complex and will begin at 11:00 am. President Tinubu is expected to arrive at noon.
This year’s Democracy Day celebration carries the theme: “26 Years of Democracy: Renewing our Commitment to National Development.”
“President Tinubu is expected to attend the occasion as a special guest of honour and will deliver a presidential address to the joint sitting,” the statement read.
The programme will also include goodwill messages from former National Assembly leaders and the presentation of national honours to selected lawmakers by the President.
“This joint sitting represents a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey,” the statement added.
“It underscores the pivotal role of the National Assembly in safeguarding democratic values, fostering accountability, and advancing national development over the past 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule.
“The House of Representatives urges all Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Democracy Day as a time for reflection, renewed patriotism, and commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous, and united nation,” it concluded.
