The Federal Government has officially declared Thursday, June 12, 2025, as a public holiday in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
The announcement, made in a statement issued on Sunday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, was on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The declaration adds to an already shortened workweek for Nigerians, following Monday’s Eid-el-Kabir holiday, giving citizens two public holidays within a five-day work period.
Speaking on the significance of the day, Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians on over two decades of uninterrupted democratic rule. “June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign, peace is sustained, and our future assured,” he stated.
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He reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999, describing the past 26 years as a testament to the resilience, strength, and courage of the Nigerian people. “The last 26 years tell the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope renewed than ever,” he said.
The Minister also reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to deepening democratic values, noting that the government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda is designed to empower citizens to shape the nation’s political, economic, social, and cultural direction.
Democracy Day, celebrated annually on June 12, commemorates the annulled 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history. The day honours the democratic struggles that eventually led to the restoration of civilian rule in 1999.
Tunji-Ojo called on all Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices made by democratic heroes and to continue working collectively to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions.