A coalition of civil society organisations, labour activists, youth groups and concerned Nigerians has declared June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, a day of nationwide protest and mass action over worsening insecurity, rising hunger and the growing economic hardship facing millions of citizens.
The coalition, which includes prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), musician and activist Falz (Folarin Falana), the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), the Joint Action Front (JAF), the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) and several other groups, accused the Federal Government of failing to adequately address the country’s security and economic crises.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the groups said there was little for ordinary Nigerians to celebrate on Democracy Day, as many citizens continue to battle poverty, inflation, unemployment and declining living standards.
According to the coalition, communities across the country remain under constant threat from terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements despite repeated assurances from authorities that insecurity is being brought under control.
The groups expressed solidarity with families who have lost loved ones to acts of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, while calling for urgent action to secure the release of Nigerians still being held captive by criminal groups.
The coalition specifically referenced victims of recent abductions and attacks in Oyo, Borno, Katsina, Kwara, Ekiti, Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger states, alongside other parts of the country affected by insecurity.
“The Nigerian people deserve a pro-people government that places the protection of lives and property at the core of governance,” the coalition stated.
The groups lamented that despite years of official declarations that insurgency and banditry were being defeated, attacks on communities have continued unabated, leaving farmers unable to access their farmlands, students fearful of attending school and ordinary citizens vulnerable to criminal attacks.
According to the coalition, the June 12 demonstration is intended to serve as a peaceful platform for Nigerians to demand accountability and urgent solutions from those in power.
The organisers also criticised what they described as anti-poor economic policies, arguing that many households are struggling under the weight of soaring food prices, rising transportation costs and shrinking purchasing power.
They maintained that the planned Democracy Day protest forms part of a broader campaign aimed at compelling the government to adopt practical measures to improve security, protect livelihoods and ease the burden on citizens.
The coalition urged Nigerians from all walks of life to participate peacefully in the nationwide action, insisting that democracy should deliver tangible benefits to the people beyond periodic elections.
The planned protest comes amid growing public frustration over the state of the economy and persistent security challenges, with June 12 expected to become not only a day of national reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey, but also a platform for citizens to voice their demands for better governance and improved living conditions.
