June 12 Protest Begins In Abuja Amid Heavy Security

Nigeria’s Democracy Day, protests erupts across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and beyond, as citizens demonstrated against rising economic hardship and insecurity.

In Abuja, the protest commenced in the Apo district, where demonstrators were seen chanting solidarity songs and waving placards to express their grievances. The action, organized by the Take It Back Movement and various civil society groups, marks a nationwide call for better governance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which the organizers have criticized for “two years of misrule.”

Despite an initial announcement by the Take It Back Movement designating Eagle Square as the starting point in Abuja, the demonstrations began in Apo instead.

Security agencies had preemptively deployed heavily armed personnel to strategic locations across the city, including major junctions and the National Assembly, to manage potential protest hotspots. The heavy security presence was particularly noticeable as the protest coincided with President Tinubu’s scheduled address to a joint session of the National Assembly, a key event in the Democracy Day celebrations.

June 12 holds deep historical significance in Nigeria, commemorating the annulled 1993 presidential election and officially recognized as Democracy Day since 2018. This symbolic date amplifies the protesters’ demands for accountability and action on pressing issues like economic distress, insecurity, and shrinking civic freedoms.

The movement’s national coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, emphasized the intent behind the demonstrations, stating, “Our demands remain consistent. June 12 represents an opportunity for Nigerians to peacefully demand good governance and accountability”

Beyond Abuja, the protests have ignited a broader nationwide movement. The Take It Back Movement announced plans for demonstrations in at least 20 states, with specific rally points designated in cities such as Lagos, Akure, Benin City, and others.

While the protest in Apo marks the reported starting point in the FCT, the scale of the mobilization suggests multiple locations across Nigeria are witnessing similar actions as citizens voice their frustrations.

As the demonstrations unfold, the atmosphere remains tense with security forces on high alert.

Organizers have stressed that the protests are peaceful, aimed at exercising constitutional rights to demand change. With Nigeria marking Democracy Day, the protests underscore a critical moment for public expression amid ongoing national challenges.