Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, joined #EndBadGovernance activists and civil society groups on Friday as they marched through Lagos streets to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day. The protesters gathered at Ikeja Underbridge, carrying placards and demanding urgent government action on insecurity, kidnapping and Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis.
The demonstrators displayed messages such as “No Democracy Without Security,” “End Insecurity and Kidnapping,” “End Bad Governance,” and “Free All Abducted Children, Teachers, Farmers.”
Members of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights also joined the march through parts of the state, calling on the Federal Government to take decisive steps against rising violent attacks, banditry and the deteriorating living conditions facing millions of Nigerians.
Falana, a longtime advocate for democratic governance and human rights, told protesters that democracy should mean improved welfare and security for citizens. He demanded greater accountability from elected leaders, arguing that 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule should translate into better living standards.
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Friday’s protest comes amid growing public frustration over Nigeria’s security challenges, including mass kidnappings, insurgency and violent crimes across several states. Citizens are also grappling with soaring food prices, high inflation, rising transportation costs and declining purchasing power following economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The demonstration was organised under the #EndBadGovernance movement, which gained national attention in 2024 after mobilising protests across several states against hunger, economic hardship and governance failures.
Participants argued that while Nigeria celebrated 27 years of democracy and the 33rd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, many citizens had little to celebrate due to worsening socio-economic conditions.
June 12 is observed annually to honour the 1993 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll, which was won by the late Chief MKO Abiola before it was annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime.
Activists say the democratic gains secured through the June 12 struggle remain incomplete, citing persistent insecurity, corruption, unemployment, poverty and alleged human rights abuses.
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