The National Assembly is not typically known for its parties.
Yes, we’ve seen drama, shouting matches, defections, and reconciliations. But on June 12, 2025, something rather historic and festive occurred within the hallowed chambers of Nigeria’s federal legislature, marking a proper celebration of Democracy Day, complete with presidential presence, food, fanfare, and, yes, long overdue recognition for one of their own.
For the first time in recent memory, the National Assembly held a proper, full-blown Democracy Day celebration. It had several former Senate Presidents and other dignitaries, including traditional rulers across each geographical location, in attendance.
And no, this wasn’t your usual tight-lipped commemoration filled with stiff protocols and serious speeches.
This was a day of colour, reflection, and history, and not just the kind you read in textbooks.
June 12 itself is loaded with meaning. It’s a day that reminds Nigerians of a stolen mandate and a symbolic victory.
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The June 12, 1993 presidential election, won by the late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, is still regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election. Although annulled by the military regime, it birthed a new consciousness and ultimately led to the democracy we practice today, flawed as it may be.
In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as Democracy Day, officially replacing May 29, a decision that was widely lauded.
This year’s celebration at the National Assembly took it a notch higher. And trust the lawmakers, once they decide to do something, they go all in.
There was a bit of suspense leading up to the event. President Bola Tinubu had earlier scheduled a nationwide broadcast for 7:00 a.m.
Tinubu had planned something similar to last year’s celebration, address Nigerians from the villa, then show up for a few minutes at the National Assembly, just for the show of it.
But, in an unusual twist of protocol, lawmakers prevailed on the President to grace the National Assembly instead, to speak directly to them and, by extension, the Nigerian people.
It was a power play wrapped in diplomacy. The President agreed, and so, for the first time, the nation’s Democracy Day presidential address was delivered live from the National Assembly. It was a day of honours and rewards for our heroes past.
Even the most cynical aides and staffers could not hide their surprise. The Red and Green Chambers wore a new look, bunting, flags, and flowers, with a backdrop that evoked both pride and nostalgia. But one of the biggest highlights of the day was not even in the President’s speech or the legislative banter, it was in a frame, newly mounted on the wall.
After years of being erased from the National Assembly’s visual memory, former Senate President Bukola Saraki was finally recognized.
His official portrait now sits among those of other past Senate Presidents in the Senate’s Hall of Fame. A symbolic act? Yes. But for those familiar with the Senate’s internal politics, it was a huge move.
Recall that under President Buhari’s administration, Saraki’s photograph was deliberately removed following his exit from office in 2019. No wall, hallway, or corner bore any trace of his time as Senate President, not even in the gallery that showcases leaders who have shaped Nigeria’s legislative history.
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Whether you liked him or not, Saraki’s era was one of significance: the 8th Senate under his leadership passed several critical bills and held a relatively independent stance. That his image was wiped off was more than a snub; it was political sanitisation.
But now, the Senate has corrected the historical record. His image hangs again, right where it belongs.
Meanwhile, downstairs and in the lesser-watched corners of the complex, the celebration took on a life of its own. Legislative aides were not left out of the party. One could argue they had the best time.
The halls of the White House wing buzzed with activity, decoration teams, and an aroma that suggested something good was happening in the kitchen.
And yes, there was food. Plenty of it. From jollof rice with well-seasoned chicken to small chops, fruit salads, drinks, and assorted cakes, no lawmaker or legislative aide left the National Assembly hungry on Thursday.
Legislative aides carried home takeaway packs with grins that could rival Christmas joy. Even the security women stationed across the complex got in on the fun. There was a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony involving lawmakers, after which the kitchen staff, female security officers, and others handled the rest.
It was unity in action, or at least, in celebration.
For a day, the National Assembly was not just a place of power games and politicking, but a community.
Staffers, lawmakers, and security personnel mingled freely. There was laughter, there were handshakes, and for once, there was a sense of shared purpose: to celebrate the democratic journey and to honour those who have contributed to it.
Of course, one can be tempted to dismiss it all as a performance, particularly with Seriake Dickson’s outburst on the Emergency rule and recent appointments made in Rivers State.
After all, what’s a party to a country battling economic hardship, inflation, and insecurity? But symbolic actions matter.
Read also: June 12 democracy day: Symbol of power not people’s freedom – Professor Uji
In a nation constantly battling with historical amnesia and institutional bitterness, seeing the National Assembly acknowledge its past leaders and open its doors, at least metaphorically, to all staff levels was refreshing.
The question, as always, is whether this celebratory spirit will translate into legislative seriousness.
Will the Senators and Honourables channel this unity into making laws that actually benefit Nigerians? Or was it just jollof-fuelled camaraderie for the camera?
Time will tell.
But for now, we’ll take the win. A day of joy, justice, and jollof in the People’s Parliament.
