The National Assembly is contemplating a bill that would require presidents-elect to be sworn in at the arcade of the National Assembly.
This was disclosed by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele on Tuesday, while addressing questions related to the June 12 Democracy Day anniversary.
Senator Bamidele highlighted that the proposed legislation aims to institutionalize key democratic practices, including having the president deliver a 'State of the Nation Address' at the National Assembly annually on 12 June.
This initiative is seen as a way to reinforce the significance of Democracy Day, which commemorates the historic 1993 presidential election.
"We are keen on institutionalizing the State of the Nation Address, and a bill will be introduced to ensure its regular occurrence," said Senator Bamidele.
"June 12 is a symbolic date for this address, given its historical importance, and President Bola Tinubu is collaborating with the National Assembly on this."
The National Assembly has also invited President Tinubu to address a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives on Thursday in observance of the 2025 National Democracy Day.
Senator Bamidele further expressed hopes to alter the political tradition so that future presidential inaugurations occur within the National Assembly's chambers. "This change will signify the importance of the legislative branch in our democracy," he added.
Democracy Day, celebrated annually on June 12 in Nigeria, honors the legacy of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the 1993 presidential election, which is often regarded as the most free and fair election in Nigeria's history.
