The Senate has announced plans to introduce legislation that would formalise an annual presidential address on June 12, recognising the day’s historical significance in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The Majority Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, revealed this on Tuesday during a media interview. He explained that the Senate intends to draft a bill mandating the President to deliver a speech to the nation every June 12.
“We intend to introduce a bill soon to institutionalise the President’s address on June 12, given its historic relevance. There’s no better occasion to speak to the nation through the parliament than on this day, particularly during a joint sitting of the National Assembly,” Bamidele stated.
He also shared that the proposed bill would include a clause to establish the National Assembly Complex as the official venue for future presidential inauguration ceremonies.
“We also aim to ensure that the swearing-in of the next President and Commander-in-Chief — whom we firmly believe will be President Bola Ahmed Tinubu again — takes place within the National Assembly arcade,” Bamidele added.
In addition, he disclosed that the Senate is reviewing the implementation of the 2024 budget and may extend the timeline for capital expenditure components.
“We need to carefully review the budget’s implementation. We will likely extend the capital expenditure period while ensuring full execution of the 2025 budget,” he noted.
As Vice Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, the Ekiti Central Senator addressed the slow pace of constitutional reform. He assured the public that progress has been substantial and that the committee has nearly completed its preliminary work.
“We’ve completed nearly 70 percent of the process before engaging the public. Soon, we will hold zonal public hearings, which will culminate in a joint hearing with the House of Representatives. Our goal is to finalise constitutional amendments before the end of the third legislative year,” he affirmed.
June 12 gained prominence in Nigeria after the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola. The annulment by then Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, sparked nationwide protests and international condemnation.
In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as Nigeria’s new Democracy Day, replacing May 29, to honour Abiola and commemorate the nation’s democratic strides since 1999.
In a significant revelation earlier this year, Babangida admitted in his memoir released in February 2025 that MKO Abiola did indeed win the 1993 election — an acknowledgement long demanded by pro-democracy advocates.
