Tension gripped Ikeja Underbridge in Lagos State on Friday after suspected political thugs confronted protesters marking June 12 Democracy Day.
The demonstrators, including members of the #EndBadGovernance movement and human rights activists, were demanding action on insecurity, economic hardship and poor governance when the group ordered them to vacate the protest venue.
Despite the intimidation, the protesters refused to leave. One of the demonstrators, Seaking, accused unnamed persons of hiring thugs to disrupt the gathering. In a video shared on X by activist Oyindamola, he said, “Some hired thugs are coming here to tell us that we need to stop the protest and leave this place, but we’re not going anywhere, no matter who you send, we will not leave.
” He added that the Divisional Police Officer was at the scene and pledged support for the protesters.
A video published online showed a tense atmosphere at the protest ground. Police officers were seen in a heated exchange with protesters as arguments broke out over attempts to halt the demonstration.
Although the situation did not turn violent, protesters remained on alert over fears of disruption.
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Earlier on Friday, scores of Nigerians, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana, civil society activists and #EndBadGovernance members, converged at Ikeja Underbridge to mark Democracy Day.
They carried placards with messages such as “No Democracy Without Security,” “End Insecurity and Kidnapping,” “End Bad Governance,” and “Free All Abducted Children, Teachers, Farmers.” The protesters accused the government of failing to tackle kidnapping, banditry and terrorism, while also lamenting rising food prices, unemployment and poverty.
Friday’s protest came amid growing frustration over economic hardship and insecurity across Nigeria, despite official celebrations marking 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.
June 12 is observed annually to honour the 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll, which was annulled by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida. For many activists, the day now highlights unfulfilled democratic promises as millions continue to face poverty and poor governance.
The #EndBadGovernance movement, which gained national attention during the 2024 mass protests, has continued to mobilize citizens around accountability, economic justice and democratic freedoms.
As of press time, protesters remained at Ikeja Underbridge, insisting they would not be intimidated. Security operatives also maintained presence around the venue while monitoring developments.
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