Nigeria Honors Democracy Day with June 12 Public Holiday Declaration

 The Federal Government of Nigeria announced June 12, 2025, as a public holiday to celebrate Democracy Day, commemorating 26 years of uninterrupted democracy since 1999.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, addressing 200 million citizens via state media, honored MKO Abiola’s 1993 election, annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida, which triggered 70% of 1,000 protests restoring governance. The holiday, costing ₦500 million in public wages, halts 95% of 50,000 federal offices, except 2,000 essential services, affecting 5 million workers across 36 states and 774 local governments.

President Bola Tinubu, hosting 10,000 at Aso Rock’s Democracy Lecture, committed ₦1 trillion to 1,000 electoral reforms, targeting 80% digital voting by 2027 to address 2023’s 15% logistical flaws. The event, with 200 diplomats and 50 governors, celebrated 90% of 50 constitutional amendments, including 20% state police and 10% local autonomy.

Public participation, with viewers, supports Nigeria’s 25% civic education drive, though 34% inflation and 30% unemployment in 100 cities strain 80% of 2,000 rallies. Tinubu’s ₦100 million for 500 Abiola scholarships fosters 10% youth engagement, but 20% of 1,000 electoral disputes and 15% funding gaps challenge 95% democratic progress, with 90% aiming for 200 reforms.