Friday June 12 Declared Public Holiday For Nigerian Democracy Day
The Federal Government today Thursday officially declared Friday, June 12, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day celebration and mark Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
The declaration was announced in a statement issued today Thursday by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, who said the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.
Democracy Day is observed annually in Nigeria on June 12 in recognition of the sacrifices made in Nigeria’s struggle for democratic governance and in honour of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, widely believed to have won the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Congratulating Nigerians on the occasion, Tunji-Ojo said Democracy Day remains a significant milestone in Nigeria’s political history, honouring the courage, resilience and sacrifices of citizens whose struggles and commitment paved the way for democratic governance in the country.
He said June 12 serves as a reminder of Nigeria’s historic journey towards building a nation founded on truth, justice, peace and the freely expressed will of the people.
“June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured”, the minister said.
He noted that the country’s 27 years of uninterrupted civil rule reflect the resilience, strength and determination of Nigerians in sustaining democratic institutions and constitutional governance.
“The last 27 years tells the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope renewed than ever”, he added.
The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to preserving democratic ideals and strengthening governance anchored on the rule of law, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness.
He stressed that democracy remained a work in progress that required continuous improvement and the active participation of citizens to ensure that government remained responsive to the aspirations of the people.
Tunji-Ojo also assured Nigerians that the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, would continue to take necessary measures to maintain and strengthen internal security across the country.
According to him, a secure and stable environment remains indispensable to the survival of democracy and the achievement of sustainable national development.
The Minister urged Nigerians to use the public holiday as an opportunity for civic reflection and renewed commitment to the values that underpin democratic governance.
“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.
He further noted that the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists and ordinary Nigerians continue to shape the values and responsibilities of the Nigerian state: “Their legacies continue to inform the values and responsibilities of the Nigerian state.”