On Tuesday, the Federal Government announced that Wednesday, June 12, would be observed as a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day. A statement issued by Aishetu Ndayako, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior, acting on behalf of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, encouraged Nigerians to reflect on the struggles of the nation’s founding fathers and to uphold the unity of Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of maintaining Nigeria as a united, secure, peaceful, and indivisible nation as another Democracy Day unfolds in the country’s history. It’s worth noting that former President Muhammadu Buhari, on June 7, 2018, directed that Nigeria’s Democracy Day would now be celebrated annually on June 12, departing from the previous tradition of May 29.

Buhari stated, “June 12, 1993, marked the occasion when millions of Nigerians expressed their democratic will in what was universally acknowledged as the freest, fairest, and most peaceful election since our independence. The fact that the outcome of that election was disregarded by the military government at the time does not diminish the democratic legitimacy of that process. Consequently, following extensive consultations, the federal government has resolved that from now on, June 12 will be commemorated as Democracy Day.”

Additionally, he conferred the title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic upon Chief Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party, the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. The minister affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to implementing constructive reforms aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s economy and bolstering its security.

Furthermore, he encouraged both citizens and well-wishers of the nation to acknowledge the strides made thus far and to anticipate a brighter future for Nigeria’s democracy.