Democracy Day: Nationwide Protests Erupt as Tinubu Addresses Lawmakers

On Nigeria’s Democracy Day, June 12, the nation witnesses a surge in activism as the Take It Back Movement and civil society allies stage coordinated protests across 20 locations, including the National Assembly in Abuja. The rallies are a response to what organisers call “two years of misrule, hardship, and insecurity” under President Bola Tinubu.

President Tinubu, forgoing his traditional nationwide broadcast, instead addresses a joint session of the National Assembly, a move confirmed by Segun Imohiosen of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Security has been tightened nationwide. Protest leader Juwon Sanyaolu asserts that the shift in protest venue does not alter their mission: “Nigerians will be turning out nationwide to protest… the National Assembly is one of those spaces where Nigerians can exercise their constitutional rights.”

Despite reported police harassment of organisers in multiple states, Sanyaolu insists the protests will proceed. He warns authorities against suppressing peaceful assembly.

Michael Adenola, FCT protest coordinator, expects significant youth turnout, citing anger over economic woes and insecurity. He urges police to respect protesters’ rights and avoid violence.

While police in Abuja have not commented, Commissioner Adewale Ajao promises protection for law-abiding citizens and urges order.

The protests are set for Eagle Square in Abuja, four locations in Lagos, and key sites in Akure, Benin City, Niger, Yobe, Oyo, Bauchi, and Osun. Sanyaolu stresses that security is the police’s responsibility, not the protesters’.

The Nigerian Bar Association’s Ikeja branch has formally requested police protection for the rallies, referencing legal obligations under the Police Act.

In Osun and Bauchi, local organisers urge police to safeguard protesters and reject dialogue seen as delaying tactics.

Security agencies in Borno, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Ogun, Yobe, Osun, Oyo, and Jigawa have deployed personnel, with Borno alone mobilising 1,500 officers. Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo states assure residents of peaceful commemorations.

Some states, like Kano and Kwara, see civil society groups opting for public lectures and workshops instead of street protests, citing security risks.

Police in Delta, Edo, and Niger acknowledge the planned protests and pledge to maintain peace, with the NSCDC also on alert.

In Rivers, ex-Ijaw Youths Council leader Tamuno Kpokpo cautions against politically motivated protests, advocating peace and support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

As the nation marks Democracy Day, the tension between protest and order underscores Nigeria’s ongoing struggle for democratic accountability.