A coalition of civil society organisations and pro-democracy activists has intensified mobilisation for the June 12 nationwide protest, accusing the Federal Government of failing to address worsening insecurity, hunger, poverty, and the declining living conditions of millions of Nigerians.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, organisers of the planned demonstration said Democracy Day should serve as an opportunity for citizens to demand accountability, security, and improved living standards rather than merely commemorate democratic rule. They argued that widespread insecurity, kidnappings, economic hardship, and rising inflation have left many Nigerians with little to celebrate.
The coalition expressed solidarity with families of victims of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across the country, calling for urgent efforts to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren, teachers, farmers, and other Nigerians currently held in captivity by armed groups.
One of the speakers at the briefing, Daniel Akande of The Anti-Imperialist (Nigeria), stated that the government must prioritise the rescue of kidnapped citizens and take concrete steps to restore security across affected communities. Organisers also criticised rising living costs, arguing that economic policies implemented in recent years have increased hardship for workers, youths, traders, and low-income households.
The coalition, which includes the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), the #EndBadGovernance Movement, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), the Joint Action Front (JAF), the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), The Anti-Imperialist (Nigeria), labour activists, and other civil society organisations, called on Nigerians to participate peacefully in the June 12 action.
According to the organisers, the protest is intended to draw attention to growing insecurity, hunger, unemployment, and economic hardship while demanding policies that prioritise the welfare and security of ordinary Nigerians.
