ABUJA/LAGOS, Nigeria – Hundreds of Nigerians took to the streets of Abuja and Lagos on Friday, June 12, 2026, to mark Democracy Day with protests against rising insecurity, widespread kidnappings, and worsening economic conditions, while demanding the resignation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The “Tinubu Must Go” movement has gathered momentum over the past two weeks following a series of high-profile abductions across the country. Public outrage intensified after the reported kidnapping of 46 schoolchildren and their teachers, as well as another group of about 40 people in Borno State. Reports that a male teacher in Oyo was beheaded by the kidnappers further fuelled anger among citizens.
The protests gained additional traction on June 10 when social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), alongside members of the Ratels movement, staged demonstrations in Abuja shortly after his return from China.
In Lagos, protesters chanted, “Tinubu must go, let him go, we don’t want him anymore,” expressing frustration over what they described as the government’s inability to address the country’s growing security challenges.
Activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore said the demonstrations reflected the deep dissatisfaction of Nigerians with the current administration.
“Since they can’t do the job, it’s time to leave. Nigerians are tired of becoming victims in their schools, homes, farms, and even places of worship,” Sowore said.
Another protester in Abuja called for urgent political change.
“We need change. We need a new government. We are here for a revolution. There is no peace in our country, and people cannot sleep with both eyes closed. We want Nigeria to return to its former glory,” the protester said.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana also warned that public unrest could escalate if the government fails to secure the release of kidnapped victims.
“The government must double its efforts to ensure that those children and other Nigerians are rescued in the next few days. Otherwise, there will be more protests in the country,” Falana said.
Meanwhile, in a move aimed at strengthening local security responses, the National Assembly on Thursday passed a constitutional amendment bill that would allow each of Nigeria’s 36 states to establish state police forces alongside the federal Nigeria Police Force. The reform is expected to enhance intelligence gathering and improve response times as state governments seek greater control over security operations within their jurisdictions.
The Democracy Day demonstrations underscore growing public concern over security and governance, adding pressure on the Tinubu administration to deliver tangible results in addressing the nation’s mounting challenges.
Source: Reuters
