Federal Government Declares June 12 as Public Holiday for Democracy Day Celebration in 2024

The Federal Government has officially declared June 12, 2024, a public holiday in commemoration of Democracy Day, according to a statement from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Aishetu Ndayako. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulating Nigerians on the occasion.

Dr. Ndayako emphasized the importance of reflecting on the efforts of the nation’s founding fathers to ensure the unity, security, and peace of Nigeria as the country marks another milestone in its history.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo underlined President Bola Tinubu‘s commitment to implementing positive reforms aimed at revitalizing the economy and enhancing national security. He called on Nigerians and friends of the nation to acknowledge the progress made and anticipate a brighter future for Nigerian democracy.

In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari changed the date of Democracy Day to June 12 to honor the freest, fairest, and most peaceful election conducted in Nigeria’s history on that day in 1993. Buhari also posthumously honored Chief Moshood Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic title.

Chief Moshood Abiola was the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, where he defeated Bashir Tofa. However, the election results were annulled by General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, leading to a prolonged political crisis and Abiola’s subsequent death in detention.