The Federal Government has announced Thursday, June 12, 2025, as a public holiday in celebration of Democracy Day.
To mark the occasion, President Bola Tinubu will deliver a formal address to a joint session of the National Assembly, comprising both the Senate and the House of Representatives, at the legislative complex in Abuja.
Democracy Day, observed annually on June 12, was instituted in 2018 to commemorate the annulled 1993 presidential election—widely hailed as the fairest in Nigeria’s democratic history and won by the late Chief MKO Abiola.
In a statement released by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the government congratulated Nigerians on reaching 26 years of continuous democratic governance, calling it a milestone worth celebrating
“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.
Announcing the joint session of the National Assembly for June 12, a statement issued on Sunday by the House of Representatives spokesman, Akin Rotimi, noted that the event was formally conveyed to members via an internal memorandum issued by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr Yahaya Danzaria.
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“The Special joint sitting is scheduled to be held at the House of Representatives Chamber, National Assembly Complex, commencing at 11:00 am, with preliminary proceedings ahead of the arrival of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at noon.
“The theme for this year’s celebration is: ‘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.
It added that the programme would feature goodwill messages from former presiding officers of the National Assembly and the conferment of national honours on select legislators by the President.
“This joint sitting represents a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The statement emphasized the pivotal role of the National Assembly in protecting democratic values, promoting accountability, and advancing national development throughout 26 years of continuous civil governance.
It also indicated that the House of Representatives urged all Nigerians to observe Democracy Day as a period for reflection, renewed patriotism, and a commitment to fostering a more inclusive, prosperous, and united nation.