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By Ayo Kehinde
The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 12, 2026, as a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day celebration and celebrate 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule of Nigeria.
The declaration was announced in a statement released on Thursday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Magdalene Ajani, who said the Minister of Home Affairs, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the statement on behalf of the Federal Government.
Democracy Day is celebrated annually in Nigeria on June 12 in recognition of the sacrifices made in Nigeria’s struggle for democratic governance and in honor 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, honoring 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 to remember 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 towards building a nation where truth and justice reign, where peace is sustained and our future assured,” the minister said.
He noted that the country’s 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule reflects the resilience, strength and determination of Nigerians in upholding democratic institutions and constitutional governance.
“The last 27 years tell the story of our resilience, strength, courage and a renewed hope than ever before,” he added.
The minister reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to preserving democratic ideals and strengthening governance anchored on the rule of law, transparency, accountability and inclusion.
He stressed that democracy remains a work in progress that requires continuous improvement and active participation of citizens to ensure that government remains responsive to the aspirations of the people.
Tunji-Ojo also assured Nigerians that the Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, will continue to take necessary measures to maintain and strengthen internal security across the country.
According to him, a safe and stable environment remains indispensable for the survival of democracy and the achievement of sustainable national development.
The minister urged Nigerians to use public holidays as an opportunity for civic reflection and renewed commitment to the values on which democratic governance is founded.
“As we celebrate this historic day, every Nigerian is encouraged to remain law-abiding, to support the institutions that sustain our democracy, and to remember that the strength of every democracy ultimately lies in the character of its citizens,” he said.
He further noted that the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists and Nigerian citizens continue to shape the values and responsibilities of the Nigerian state.
“Their legacy continues to inform the values and responsibilities of the Nigerian state,” Tunji-Ojo added.
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