By Planned Democracy Day protests
Concerns over tension and security in Nigeria
Summary
- Nationwide protests planned for June 12 amid rising frustration over insecurity and economic hardship
- Take It Back Movement and others call for action against “bad governance” under President Tinubu
- Fears of possible police crackdown as history of violent dispersals and rights violations loom
Lagos/Abuja — There are strong indications of coordinated protests across Nigeria on June 12, 2025, as several civic groups, including the Take It Back Movement, plan to mark Democracy Day with nationwide demonstrations. The protests are aimed at spotlighting the country’s worsening insecurity, economic difficulties, and perceived erosion of civil liberties.
Organisers have officially informed the Inspector General of Police and relevant security agencies of their intention to hold peaceful demonstrations. However, a standing police ban on public protests has sparked concerns over potential clashes, recalling previous incidents where security forces forcefully dispersed demonstrators.
On social media platform X, the sentiment is one of growing anger, particularly toward President Bola Tinubu’s administration, now in its second year. Hashtags like #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria have gained traction, with users calling the protest a response to soaring living costs and poor governance.
A protest flyer circulating online urges market women and the general public to bring empty cooking utensils to symbolise hunger, rallying under the slogan: “A People United Cannot be Defeated.”
In Lagos, likely protest flashpoints include Ikeja Underbridge, Lekki Tollgate, Ojota, and Alausa, locations that have historically drawn crowds during similar demonstrations.
The Federal Capital Territory Minister has said the government is open to dialogue, but recent memories of violent episodes, such as the 2024 protests that reportedly left at least 14 dead, have heightened public anxiety.
Meanwhile, the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has declared that the seven Igbo-speaking states will not participate in the planned demonstrations. The group cites concerns over the safety of lives and properties, particularly given the region’s history of being targeted during civil unrest.
With Democracy Day marking 26 years of uninterrupted civilian rule since the annulled 1993 presidential election, these protests underscore the growing disillusionment, especially among young Nigerians, who argue that the promise of democracy has yet to translate into meaningful change.
Rights groups like Amnesty International continue to call for restraint and the protection of citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.
