LAGOS, NIGERIA — June 11, 2025 | FrontNaija News
With Democracy Day just hours away, tension is building in Lagos as civic groups, activists, and democracy advocates finalize plans for peaceful demonstrations scheduled for Wednesday, June 12. The organizers have formally reached out to the Lagos State Police Command, requesting enhanced security coverage to prevent potential disruptions and ensure the safety of demonstrators.
Speaking under the umbrella of the Coalition for a Democratic Nigeria (CDN), spokesperson Tolu Adebiyi said the group is concerned about the “growing hostility towards civic expression” and fears infiltration or provocation by anti-democratic elements.
> “We are not only marching to commemorate our democracy, but to remind the government that the people still matter,” Adebiyi stated. “We have sent formal communication to the police and expect them to stand on the side of the constitution.”
⚠️ Context: A Democracy Under Pressure
This year’s Democracy Day comes against the backdrop of growing political discontent and accusations of shrinking civic space in Nigeria. Civil society actors and opposition leaders have increasingly criticized what they call authoritarian tendencies in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Notably, Dele Momodu, a prominent journalist and PDP chieftain, described Nigeria as “a nation sliding into civilian dictatorship.” His remarks, made during a media appearance earlier this week, have sparked intense debate about the health of democratic institutions in the country.
In a similar vein, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi recently labeled Nigeria “a crime scene,” citing rampant corruption, insecurity, and economic hardship.
🛡️ Police Response & Public Safety
The Lagos Police Command has yet to issue a public statement regarding the request for protection, though a source within the force who spoke to FrontNaija under anonymity confirmed that “dialogue with protest groups is ongoing.”
Security analysts have urged authorities to avoid heavy-handed responses and instead provide enabling environments for lawful assembly, warning that forceful suppression could escalate tensions.
> “This is a symbolic day in our national history,” said Dr. Rachael Enang, a political analyst based in Lagos. “The government must not betray its democratic obligations by silencing dissent.”
📌 Why It Matters
June 12, formerly known as Abiola Day, commemorates the annulled 1993 presidential elections—widely believed to have been won by late business mogul M.K.O. Abiola. It remains a powerful symbol of Nigerians’ struggle for electoral justice, freedom of speech, and representative governance.
In recent years, however, citizens have expressed frustration that the spirit of June 12 has been reduced to rhetoric, even as hardship, police brutality, and human rights violations persist.
🗣️ The Road Ahead
As Democracy Day dawns, Nigerians across states—especially in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt—are expected to hit the streets in protest and reflection. Key demands include electoral reforms, youth employment, police accountability, and cost-of-living relief.
FrontNaija News will provide live updates throughout the day, with reporters stationed across protest zones and government venues.
Source:
Punch Newspapers – “Nigeria now ruled by civilian dictators, says Dele Momodu”
Additional reporting by FrontNaija news.
