Tinubu to Address Lawmakers as Take It Back Movement Plans Mass Demonstrations Across 20 States
A nationwide wave of protests is set to unfold today, June 12, as the Take It Back (TIB) Movement and allied civil society groups gear up to stage demonstrations across 20 locations, including the National Assembly in Abuja. The protests coincide with Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebrations and come amid mounting public frustration over economic hardship, insecurity, and what organisers have described as “two years of misrule” under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
President Tinubu will forgo the traditional nationwide broadcast this year, opting instead to deliver a Democracy Day address at a joint session of the National Assembly. This decision, confirmed by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, adds to the heightened atmosphere as protesters prepare to gather outside the legislative complex.
The TIB Movement initially planned to rally at Eagle Square, but later shifted the Abuja protest to the National Assembly. According to National Coordinator Juwon Sanyaolu, the change of venue does not alter the demonstration’s objective.
“The hardship, insecurity, and lack of democratic accountability Nigerians face under this government are unprecedented,” Sanyaolu told The PUNCH. “We have nothing to lose but our chains.”
Despite reported police harassment and arrests of organisers in states like Lagos, Bauchi, Gombe, and Edo, Sanyaolu affirmed the protest would proceed as scheduled. “This is a constitutional right. Security agencies must respect that,” he insisted.
In Abuja, protesters are expected to gather by 8:00 a.m., while Lagos will see protests at multiple locations including Maryland, Agbara, and Toll Gate. Other confirmed locations include Benin City, Ibadan, Akure, Osogbo, Damaturu, and Badagry.
Security Agencies on High Alert
Security agencies across the federation have ramped up deployments to manage potential unrest. Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officials in states including Borno, Ogun, Ondo, Jigawa, Yobe, and Oyo confirmed readiness to maintain peace and order.
In Borno, 1,500 police personnel have been mobilised while in Gombe, the NSCDC deployed 500 officers. Meanwhile, in Ondo and Edo states, authorities warned against allowing protests to be hijacked by criminal elements.
While several police commands claimed they were not formally notified of protests, civil rights advocates argue that prior notification was provided. In Lagos, the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association wrote to the Police Command, urging them to provide protection for protesters as required by law.
“The Police Act mandates security coverage for any duly notified rally,” said NBA Human Rights Committee Chairperson, Chinenye Udeh. “It’s a constitutional matter.”
Mixed Reactions Across States
In Kano and Kwara, some civil society groups opted for educational events over street demonstrations, citing security concerns and the risk of infiltration by political thugs. In Kano, a coalition of CSOs will hold public lectures at Bayero University in lieu of protests.
“Given the volatile political atmosphere, especially the threat of thuggery, we’re choosing engagement over confrontation,” said Umar Ibrahim, Executive Director of War Against Injustice.
In Kwara, pro-democracy groups are organising workshops instead of rallies, with the NSCDC confirming strategic deployments to safeguard government infrastructure.
As tensions mount, Nigerians will watch closely to see how today’s Democracy Day celebrations unfold — whether as a symbol of national unity or a flashpoint for widespread dissent.
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