The Federal Government has officially declared Thursday, June 12, 2025, a public holiday to mark this year’s Democracy Day, commemorating 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule in Nigeria.
Okay.ng reports that the announcement was made on Sunday by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, through a statement signed by Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the ministry.
Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians on the democratic milestone and lauded the citizens for their “resilience, courage and strength” over the years.
“June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured,” he stated.
“The last 26 years tell the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope renewed than ever.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political progress, the minister affirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to democratic principles, stating that the government remains devoted to ensuring that the freely expressed choices of Nigerians continue to shape the country’s political, economic, social, and cultural direction.
The declaration makes Thursday the second public holiday in the week of June 8 to 15, with Monday already set aside for the celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir Islamic festival.
Democracy Day, observed annually on June 12, honours the legacy of the 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, and serves as a reminder of the country’s return to civilian rule in 1999.
