By Pan Afric Reporters NASS –Abuja, Nigeria – June 12, 2025
In a historic move aimed at deepening democratic traditions in Nigeria, the National Assembly is considering legislation to make it mandatory for the President to address a joint sitting of the federal legislature every June 12 — Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
This was revealed by Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Almustapha, Member representing Wurno/Rabah Federal Constituency of Sokoto State and Chairman, House Committee on Alternative Education.
Speaking during a media parley following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address to the National Assembly, Hon. Almustapha reaffirmed the lawmakers’ commitment to formalizing the President’s annual appearance before the legislature.
“This move is not just symbolic,” Almustapha said. “It is a deliberate step to promote unity, transparency, and inter-governmental cooperation. The joint sitting on June 12 will serve as a platform for the President to reflect on our democratic journey and align national priorities with the legislature.”
Marking Nigeria’s 26th year of uninterrupted democracy, the Sokoto lawmaker congratulated Nigerians and expressed optimism about the nation’s democratic trajectory. He praised the resilience of the Nigerian people and paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the heroes and heroines of democracy.
Hon. Almustapha also lauded the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, for his “visionary leadership and developmental strides,” and commended President Tinubu for “entrenching democratic tenets across the federation.”
A two-term lawmaker under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Almustapha underscored that the proposed legislative tradition would foster stronger ties between the executive and legislative arms, enhancing accountability and national cohesion.
As Nigeria reflects on a quarter-century of democratic governance, the proposed institutionalization of the President’s annual Democracy Day address may soon become a defining fixture of the nation’s evolving democratic culture.
