The Federal Government has announced Friday, June 12, 2026, as a public holiday in celebration of this year’s Democracy Day.
The declaration was contained in a statement released on Thursday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the statement, the holiday is intended to honour the significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s democratic history and to recognise the sacrifices, resilience, and determination of Nigerians who fought for the return to democratic governance.
The minister reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to protecting democratic values such as the rule of law, accountability, transparency, and inclusive governance, stressing that these principles remain central to the government’s agenda.
He also noted that a peaceful and secure environment is essential for the growth and sustainability of democracy and national development. To achieve this, the Ministry of Interior, alongside relevant security agencies, will continue strengthening measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the country.
Tunji-Ojo urged citizens to use the occasion as a time for reflection on their civic responsibilities, encouraging Nigerians to remain law-abiding, promote national unity, and support the institutions that uphold democracy.
He stated that the strength of any democratic system ultimately depends on the character and commitment of its citizens.
June 12 is celebrated annually as Nigeria’s Democracy Day in remembrance of the 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the nation’s history. The election was won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, but the results were annulled by the military government, sparking widespread protests and a prolonged struggle for democratic rule.
For many years, Democracy Day was observed on May 29 to mark the return to civilian government in 1999. However, in 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari officially changed the date to June 12 in recognition of the historical importance of the 1993 election and the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists.
In 2025, former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, publicly admitted that MKO Abiola won the June 12, 1993, election, expressing regret over its annulment more than three decades after the event.