The National Assembly has unveiled plans to propose a bill mandating that future Presidents-elect be sworn in at the arcade of the National Assembly.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja while addressing questions during the June 12 Democracy Day anniversary. According to Bamidele, the move is part of efforts to deepen Nigeria’s democratic traditions.
He also revealed plans for another bill that will require the President to deliver an annual ‘State of the Nation Address’ before a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives on June 12 — a day set aside to honour Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Bamidele stated, “It is our desire to institutionalise the State of the Nation Address. We will bring a bill to ensure it is done annually. People should look forward to it.”
He added that President Bola Tinubu is in support of the initiative, noting that June 12 is the most symbolic date for such an address due to its historical significance.
“In the spirit of democracy, we are also hoping to amend our political setting so that, by the grace of God, the swearing-in of the next President will take place at the arcade of the National Assembly,” Bamidele added.
The National Assembly has invited President Tinubu to address a joint session on Thursday as part of the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations.
Democracy Day is marked every June 12 in memory of Late Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll.
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