Nigerian Govt Declares June 12 Public Holiday To Mark Democracy Day

The Nigerian government has declared Thursday, June 12, 2025, as a public holiday to celebrate the country’s Democracy Day.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the Federal Government.

According to a statement released on Sunday, by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, Tunji-Ojo underscored the significance of June 12 to Nigeria’s democratic journey.

“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 stated.

Tunji-Ojo noted that Nigeria has had 26 years of unbroken democracy since 1999, when the country was returned to civilian rule, adding that it reflects the nation’s resilience. “The last 26 years tell the story of our resilience, strength, courage and a hope renewed than ever,” he added.

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The minister assured that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to upholding the values of democracy, which include respect for the will of the people in shaping Nigeria’s political, economic, and social systems.

This comes as the second national holiday of the week, following the earlier declaration of Monday, June 9, as a public holiday for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Nigeria officially declared June 12 to be Democracy Day in 2018 during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari in remembrance of the 1993 presidential election, which is considered to be the most free and fair in the nation’s political history, and to recognize the fight for democratic governance.