📰 Senate Moves to Institutionalise Annual June 12 Presidential Address as Democracy Day Gains Legal Boost.

📰 Senate Moves to Institutionalise Annual June 12 Presidential Address as Democracy Day Gains Legal Boost

Abuja, Nigeria – June 11, 2025 | FrontNaija News.

In a move to deepen Nigeria’s democratic culture, the Senate has commenced legislative steps to formalise an annual presidential address on June 12, the nation’s official Democracy Day. This historic move aims to reaffirm the importance of June 12 as not only a symbolic date but also a day of renewed national reflection, civic engagement, and executive accountability.

The legislative proposal, currently being debated on the floor of the National Assembly, seeks to codify the yearly address into law, thereby mandating sitting presidents to deliver a national broadcast each June 12. The address would focus on the state of the nation, governance progress, and democratic development, similar to the U.S. President’s annual State of the Union address.

🔍 Why It Matters

June 12 was officially designated as Democracy Day in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, replacing May 29, in honour of the 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola, but annulled by the military regime. The new legislation intends to give the day institutional weight, anchoring it as a moment for national unity, democratic recommitment, and leadership transparency.

Speaking during plenary, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele noted that:

> “A statutory presidential address will not only honour the struggles of our democratic heroes but also ensure a continuous national dialogue on where we are and where we are going as a democratic republic.”

If passed, the law will require each sitting president to deliver a televised and widely broadcast speech on June 12 every year, aligning with civic commemorations across the country.

🗳️ Political and Public Reaction

The bill has received cross-party support, with lawmakers emphasizing its potential to promote accountability and bridge gaps between the government and the governed. Civil society groups and youth-led democratic movements have also welcomed the initiative, urging the legislature to include a provision for public feedback mechanisms in future amendments.

However, critics have warned against turning Democracy Day into a mere ceremonial event, calling instead for broader electoral and constitutional reforms to accompany such symbolic moves.

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📌 Source:

News Central Africa – “Senate to Formalise Yearly June 12 Presidential Speech.