The federal government has declared Friday, June 12, a public holiday in observance of this year’s Democracy Day, reaffirming the date’s significance in Nigeria’s democratic history.
The announcement was made on Thursday, June 11, by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement issued by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.
According to the statement, June 12 continues to stand as a powerful reminder of the struggles, sacrifices and determination of Nigerians who contributed to the country’s return to democratic rule.
“June 12 remains a significant day in Nigeria’s history in honour of the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians whose efforts made democratic governance possible in this country,” the statement reads.
“Their legacy continues to inform the values and responsibilities of the Nigerian state.”
The minister restated the government’s commitment to sustaining democratic ideals such as transparency, accountability, the rule of law and inclusive governance.
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He also assured that security agencies, working in collaboration with the ministry, would maintain heightened internal security measures aimed at protecting lives and property across the country during the period.
“A secure and stable environment, the Minister noted, is essential to the health of any democracy and to the broader project of national development,” the minister said.
He encouraged Nigerians to use the public holiday as an opportunity for reflection on the nation’s democratic journey, urging citizens to uphold unity, lawful conduct and responsible civic engagement.
“As we mark this historic day, every Nigerian is encouraged to remain law-abiding, uphold the institutions that sustain our democracy, and remember that the strength of any democracy lies ultimately in the character of its citizens,” he said.
Nigeria officially began observing June 12 as Democracy Day in 2018 after former President Muhammadu Buhari moved the celebration from May 29 to honour the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
That election, widely believed to have been won by Moshood Abiola, was cancelled by the military government led by the late General Ibrahim Babangida, a decision that remains a defining moment in the country’s democratic history.