The Nigerian National Assembly is working on a bill to make the National Assembly Arcade the official venue for swearing in future Presidents. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele announced this during a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, June 11, in response to questions about the upcoming June 12 Democracy Day celebrations.
Bamidele explained that the proposed law aims to strengthen democratic traditions by giving the inauguration process more symbolic weight. According to him, the plan is part of wider efforts to reform political practices and promote accountability.
He also revealed that lawmakers are drafting another bill to ensure the President delivers a State of the Nation Address at the National Assembly every year on June 12. The date holds historical importance, marking the 1993 presidential election, widely considered Nigeria’s most transparent and credible poll.
Bamidele noted that the President and the National Assembly are aligned on the idea. He described June 12 as a fitting day for the address due to its relevance to Nigeria’s democratic journey.
In line with these reforms, President Bola Tinubu is expected to speak at a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives on Thursday to mark National Democracy Day 2025.
According to Bamidele, institutionalising such events will encourage national reflection and help citizens engage more with political processes. He expressed optimism that these legislative moves would lead to more meaningful civic traditions in future.
