By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 12, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
The declaration was made on Thursday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government.
The announcement was conveyed in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.
According to the minister, June 12 remains a significant date in Nigeria’s history as it honours the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians who fought for the entrenchment of democratic governance in the country.
He noted that the legacy of those struggles continues to shape the nation’s democratic institutions and governance principles.
Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving democratic ideals, including the rule of law, transparency, accountability and inclusive governance.
He said the administration would continue to uphold these principles while working to strengthen democratic institutions across the country.
The minister also assured Nigerians that the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with security agencies, would continue efforts to maintain internal security and protect lives and property, stressing that a secure environment is essential for democratic growth and national development.
Democracy Day is observed annually on June 12 in remembrance of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll. The day was officially designated as Nigeria’s Democracy Day in 2019, replacing the former May 29 celebration.
The 2026 observance marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria since the country’s return to civilian governance in 1999.
