Tension looms as a clash may erupt today as various civil rights groups, led by the Take It Back Movement, gear up to stage widespread protests across Nigeria to mark Democracy Day. The protest is happening on the same day President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to address a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja.
The President’s original plan was to deliver a national broadcast in celebration of Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day. However, that plan was cancelled.
According to Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the broadcast was dropped because of Tinubu’s appearance at the National Assembly.
“Due to President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled attendance at the National Assembly Joint Session, the Presidential National Broadcast on June 12 has been cancelled. President Tinubu will deliver his address from the National Assembly,” Imohiosen said in a statement on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened in key cities, with police officers and other security operatives deployed to maintain order. Despite this, protest organisers say they are going ahead with demonstrations in Abuja and at least 19 other locations.
The Take It Back Movement has changed its Abuja protest venue from Eagle Square to the National Assembly complex, stating that the new location allows citizens to express their grievances directly to political leaders.
Speaking to The PUNCH, National Coordinator Juwon Sanyaolu noted that the movement’s demands remain unchanged.
“That we earlier said the protest would hold at the Eagle Square doesn’t foreclose the fact that Nigerians cannot organise themselves at the National Assembly to protest the two years of misrule under Tinubu,” he said.
Sanyaolu described the current conditions in the country as alarming, citing growing poverty, rising insecurity, and lack of accountability from those in power. He said the protest would go on despite reported harassment and arrests of organisers in states like Lagos, Bauchi, Edo, and Gombe.
“Presently, there has been a nationwide attack on organisers, but we are not deterred,” he said. “We are convinced the only way to end the era of worse governance is defiance; that is what we are going to be doing fearlessly.”
He also warned security forces against any attempts to suppress the protest or violate the rights of demonstrators.
In the Federal Capital Territory, Director of Mobilisation Michael Adenola said the protest has received strong backing from young Nigerians.
“Preparations are in order. Many Nigerian youths, who have expressed frustration over the spate of killings in the country, mass unemployment, and underfunded education, have shown commitment to participate in the protest,” he said.
Adenola further noted that civil society organisations across the country are working together to ensure strong turnout. He urged security agencies to act responsibly.
“There is no reason to bring lethal weapons to the protest grounds. Take them to Sambisa or Plateau State to combat the real insecurity, not against protesters who are civilly demanding their rights,” he said.
The police have not issued a full response. While the Force Public Relations Officer referred inquiries to the FCT Command, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Adewale Ajao, assured the public that lawful protesters would be protected.
“We urge Nigerians to be orderly. Everybody’s right must be respected,” Ajao said.
According to Sanyaolu, protests will be held in various locations, including Lagos, Abuja, Benin, Bauchi, Osogbo, Akure, Ibadan, and Damaturu. He said gatherings will begin as early as 7:00 am in some areas.
“We have a duty as citizens to protest; as a matter of fact, it’s a part of our civic responsibility. So, the police must ensure the protection and safety of protesters,” he added.
With tensions high and both sides standing firm, today’s Democracy Day could turn into a major test for the country’s democratic values and its government’s tolerance for dissent.
