As Nigerians mark Democracy Day today, streets across the country are bracing for protests led by the Take It Back Movement, a civil society group calling attention to the deepening hardship, insecurity, and poor governance in the country.
The group had initially planned to stage its main demonstration at Eagle Square in Abuja but shifted its rally point to the National Assembly complex. Protests are also scheduled in at least 19 other locations nationwide, including Lagos, Benin, Ibadan, Osogbo, and Damaturu.
The group’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the change in venue would not alter the protest’s goal, which is to highlight what they called “two years of misrule” under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“There’s no turning back,” said Sanyaolu. “The hardship Nigerians are going through is alarming—rising prices, growing poverty, and insecurity everywhere. This protest is about demanding an end to bad governance.”
Sanyaolu also said that despite police harassment in states like Bauchi, Gombe, Lagos, Edo, and Cross River, the movement was determined to proceed.
“We are being hunted, but we’re not afraid. Nigerians are on the ground already—we’ve got nothing to lose. We must protest. It is our right,” he said.
Security agencies have responded by deploying personnel in large numbers across the country. In Abuja, the police have stationed officers around the National Assembly and major protest points. Police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi directed inquiries to the FCT command, while Commissioner of Police, Adewale Ajao, assured the public that law-abiding citizens would be protected.
“We are in talks with the organisers,” Ajao said. “As long as citizens remain peaceful, their rights will be respected.”
States including Borno, Yobe, Ogun, Edo, Ondo, and Oyo confirmed they had ramped up security, with police, civil defence, and other agencies stationed in key areas. In Borno, over 1,500 officers were mobilised.
In Lagos, where protests are planned at Badagry, Maryland, Agbara, and Toll Gate, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, called on police to provide legal protection for demonstrators. Citing Section 84(4) of the Police Act, the NBA reminded authorities of their duty to ensure the safety of peaceful protesters.
“The right to protest is constitutional,” the NBA stated in a letter to the Lagos Police Command. “The police must provide security cover, not obstruction.”
Michael Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the protest in the FCT, said the protest had gained momentum among Nigerian youth. “Many are angry over joblessness, school underfunding, and killings. Thousands are ready to hit the streets,” he said.
He warned the police against using force: “No weapons should be brought to protest grounds. Save that for where the real insecurity is—like Sambisa Forest, not civil protesters.”
Victor Lijofi, the TIB coordinator in Osun State, called for mass participation. “The police must protect, not attack us,” he said. “If anything goes wrong, they’ll be held accountable.”
In Niger State, activist Abdullahi Jabi said: “We’re marching to tell the president and National Assembly that Nigerians are suffering. Prices are rising. Life is hard. This silence must end.”
TIB leader in Edo, Afiz Lawal, said the protest would begin at Ring Road in Benin and Jattu Junction in Auchi. “It might get tense if the police try to suppress us,” he warned.
Not all civil society groups are backing the street protests. In Kano, Umar Ibrahim, Executive Director of War Against Injustice, said his coalition would instead hold public lectures due to fears of violence. “Kano is too tense. We’ve had enough political thuggery. No street protest for us,” he said.
In Kwara, groups like the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights and Brain Builders Youth Initiative are also opting for training workshops over street marches.
Rivers State also saw pushback, with former Ijaw Youth Council leader, Tamuno Kpokpo, urging youths not to allow politicians to use them. “Some people want to blame Fubara for this protest. Don’t fall for it. Let their own children lead the march,” he said.
State police commands across Nigeria, including in Sokoto, Delta, Jigawa, and Ondo, have promised to allow peaceful demonstrations while warning against any attempt to cause chaos.
In Delta, police said they were in dialogue with protest organisers. In Jigawa, the police and NSCDC said they had received no protest notifications but were on alert.
The Sokoto State Police Command announced a full security plan, including visible patrols, traffic control, and bans on fireworks and drones. “We are fully prepared to protect peaceful protesters,” said CP Ahmed Musa.
As Nigeria reflects on 25 years of democracy since the return to civilian rule in 1999, the June 12 protests serve as a reminder of the growing discontent among citizens. Protesters are demanding urgent reforms, government accountability, and relief from economic hardship.
Whether the protests remain peaceful or escalate will largely depend on the conduct of both protesters and security forces. For now, eyes are on the streets, and the voice of the people is loud and clear: Enough is enough.
