June 12 Protest: Organisers Announce Nationwide Demonstrations, Demand Accountability From Tinubu AdministrationAs Nigeria prepares to mark Democracy Day on June 12, the Take It Back Movement has officially released a comprehensive list of protest locations across the country. The demonstrations are intended to highlight growing discontent over economic hardship, widespread insecurity, and what organisers describe as the deterioration of democratic freedoms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
According to the movement, these protests are not just symbolic. Rather, they are aimed at holding the government accountable and reinforcing citizens’ constitutional right to demand good governance. The organisers emphasize that this year’s Democracy Day should serve as a turning point in the civic consciousness of Nigerians.
Protest Locations Across Nigeria
The protest is expected to take place simultaneously in multiple cities. In the Federal Capital Territory, demonstrators will gather at Eagle Square in Abuja by 8:00 a.m.
In Lagos, protesters are scheduled to assemble at four different locations — Badagry, Maryland, Agbara, and the Toll Gate, starting from 7:00 a.m. In Ondo State, the meeting point is Cathedral Junction in Akure (8:00 a.m.), while in Benin City, Edo State, protesters will converge at the Museum Ground by 9:00 a.m.
In Niger State, the rally will begin at Gida Matasa by 8:00 a.m., and in Delta State, several key locations have been earmarked:
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Amukpe Roundabout, Sapele
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Summit Junction and Koka Junction, Asaba
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Otovwodo Junction, Ughelli
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Effurun Roundabout, PTI Junction, and DSC Roundabout, Warri
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Police Station Junction, Abraka
Other confirmed venues include:
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Mokola Roundabout, Ibadan, Oyo State (8:00 a.m.)
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Kasuwan Gamboru Flyover, Borno State (8:00 a.m.)
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Olaiya Junction, Osogbo, Osun State
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Juppu Jam Road, Yola, Adamawa
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Maiduguri Bypass Roundabout, Damaturu, Yobe
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Bauchi School of ACR, Bauchi (Yelewam Makaranta, 8:00 a.m.)
Citizens Demand Action, Not Excuses
Speaking on the reason behind the protest, the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, stated that Nigerians must take a stand against what he described as the failures of the current administration. He pointed out that the primary responsibility of government, as enshrined in the Constitution, is to ensure the security and welfare of the people — a responsibility he believes the Tinubu-led government has failed to uphold.
“We are taking to the streets on June 12 to exercise our democratic rights. The government is constitutionally bound to secure and care for its citizens — this administration has fallen far short,” Sanyaolu said.
Quoting figures from Amnesty International, Sanyaolu noted that over 10,000 Nigerians have died due to insecurity since President Tinubu assumed office. He further revealed alarming statistics from the Middle Belt region, with over 40,000 people displaced in Benue State and another 68,000 in Plateau State.
Rising Authoritarianism and Civic Suppression
The protest also aims to address what the group sees as the shrinking civic space in Nigeria. The movement accused the Tinubu government of stifling free speech, harassing dissenting voices, and clamping down on peaceful opposition.
“Under this administration, it has become dangerous to speak up. Civic spaces are shrinking. Critics are being persecuted and the media is under siege,” Sanyaolu remarked.
A Call for Constitutional Protection of Protesters
The organisers also directed a stern warning to security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, reminding them of their legal obligation to protect citizens exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
“The right to protest is guaranteed by the Constitution and affirmed by the Supreme Court. The police must protect, not repress, peaceful demonstrators,” he warned.
In closing, Sanyaolu urged Nigerians from all walks of life to “reclaim the soul of the country” and take a stand against the worsening state of affairs.
“This is a call to every Nigerian. If we are to secure a future worth living in, we must demand it together.”
As June 12 approaches, the eyes of the nation — and indeed the world — will be watching to see how Nigerians respond, and how the government reacts to this growing wave of civic resistance.
