Democracy Day Tension in Nigeria as Protesters Mobilize Nationwide While Tinubu Addresses National Assembly

 As Nigeria commemorates its 26th Democracy Day, tension simmers across the nation with mass protests planned by the Take It Back Movement and allied civil society groups. While President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to address a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja today, activists are staging demonstrations in over 20 locations nationwide to protest what they call “two years of misrule, hardship, and insecurity.”

Take-It-Back protesters converge at Ikeja Under Bridge, Lagos. Photo Credit: Elliot Ovadje. Date 4/7/2025

From Broadcast to Assembly: Tinubu’s Democracy Day Shift

In a surprising move, President Tinubu canceled the customary national broadcast to mark Democracy Day. Instead, the presidency announced he would deliver his address directly from the chambers of the National Assembly. The shift, according to Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was due to Tinubu’s scheduled attendance at the NASS session.

However, the decision has not quelled public discontent.

Protests Against Economic Hardship and Insecurity

The Take It Back Movement announced plans to hold rallies in Abuja and 19 other cities. Their grievances range from economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity, to what they describe as poor democratic accountability under Tinubu’s administration.

President Bola Tinubu marking the 2024 Democracy Day at the Eagle Square in Abuja on June 12, 2024.

“We are turning out nationwide to protest,” said Juwon Sanyaolu, the group’s national coordinator. “Nigerians are fed up. We are on the ground already — there’s nothing left to fear.”

Locations include:

• Abuja: Eagle Square at 8:00 am
• Lagos: Badagry, Maryland, Agbara, Toll Gate (7:00 am)
• Osun: Olaiya Junction, Osogbo
• Ondo: Cathedral Junction, Akure
• Edo: Museum Ground, Benin City; Jattu Junction, Auchi
• Oyo: Mokola Roundabout, Ibadan
• Yobe: Maiduguri Bypass Roundabout, Damaturu
• Bauchi: Opposite Bauchi School of ACR
• Niger: Gidan Matasa, Minna

Other states on alert include Ogun, Gombe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Rivers, Delta, and Kwara.

Despite reports of police intimidation and attacks on local coordinators in Lagos, Edo, Bauchi, and Gombe, the group remains undeterred.

Calls for Civil Conduct Amid Heavy Security

In anticipation of the protest, police and other security agencies have ramped up their presence across Nigeria. From Borno to Sokoto, law enforcement units have been deployed to secure government infrastructure and public spaces.

The police have issued mixed responses: while some commands acknowledge protesters' rights, others have stated they were not officially notified and warned against breaches of public peace.

In states like Kwara and Kano, civil society groups opted for workshops and public lectures instead of street demonstrations. The Kano protests were canceled over fears of political hijacking and insecurity. In Rivers State, former Ijaw Youth Council chair Tamuno Kpokpo warned youths not to fall for politically motivated protests, especially in light of recent tensions involving suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, stepped in to advocate for peaceful assembly. They wrote to the Lagos State Police Command, invoking Section 84(4) of the Police Act, requesting security coverage for demonstrators.

A Nation on Edge

The growing frustration over rising inflation, insecurity, and government reforms has galvanized a new wave of activism. While many groups are determined to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully, the heavy deployment of security forces and past violent crackdowns have left many citizens wary.

Still, the message from many civil groups remains clear: Nigerians want their voices heard.

As the events of today unfold, ONZABlog will bring you verified updates, eyewitness accounts, and post-protest analysis.

Stay informed. Stay safe. Stay involved.

Tags: #DemocracyDay2025 #June12Protests #Tinubu #TakeItBack #EndBadGovernance #NigeriaPolitics #EconomicJustice #ONZABlogUpdates #CivicRights #PeacefulProtest