The Nigerian Senate is considering a legislative proposal to institutionalise an annual presidential address on June 12, recognising the day’s deep historical and democratic significance.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele revealed the plan on Tuesday during a media briefing, adding that the Senate is also mulling a change of venue for future presidential inaugurations from Eagle Square to the National Assembly Complex.
“We are preparing a bill to institutionalise the President’s address to the nation every June 12. Given the date’s historical relevance and the joint sitting of the National Assembly, there’s no better time or place for such an address,” Bamidele said.
He noted that the bill would also seek to formally establish the National Assembly as the venue for presidential swearing-in ceremonies.
“We hope that the next inauguration of the President and Commander-in-Chief—whom we believe will be President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—will be held within the arcade of the National Assembly,” he added.
Budget and constitutional reforms
Bamidele also disclosed that the Senate is considering an extension of the implementation timeline for the 2024 budget, particularly for capital expenditures, to ensure adequate delivery of projects.
“We’re assessing the current implementation. The capital expenditure component will likely be extended, even as we work to ensure full execution of the 2025 budget,” he stated.
On constitutional reforms, Bamidele, who is also Vice Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, acknowledged slow progress but assured that work is ongoing.
“We’ve completed nearly 70% of the process. Zonal public hearings will be held soon, culminating in a joint public hearing by the Senate and House of Representatives. Our goal is to complete the amendment process before the end of the third legislative year.”
Why June 12 matters
June 12 is widely regarded as a defining date in Nigeria’s democratic history, marking the annulled 1993 presidential election, believed to have been won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola. The annulment by then military ruler Ibrahim Babangida triggered widespread unrest and calls for democratic governance.
In 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari formally recognised June 12 as Democracy Day, replacing May 29, in honour of Abiola and the struggle for electoral justice.
In a significant development, Babangida, in his memoir published in February 2025, publicly acknowledged for the first time that Abiola won the election, a move seen as long-overdue vindication of the late pro-democracy icon.
