As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stepped into the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly on Wednesday to deliver a special Democracy Day address, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the complex gates, voicing discontent over rising economic hardship, insecurity, and governance concerns.
The demonstration, organized by a coalition of civil society groups, student unions, and labor activists, began early in the morning and swelled throughout the day. Chanting slogans like “Democracy must work for the people!” and “End hardship now!”, the protesters waved placards that read “Fuel prices too high,” “We need jobs, not promises,” and “Protect our lives, not just elites.”
The protests added a tense backdrop to what was expected to be a symbolic and unifying speech by President Tinubu marking 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria. Inside the chamber, the President struck a tone of optimism, highlighting ongoing reforms in the power, oil, and financial sectors, and calling for patience as his administration continues its economic recovery plan.
“We are building a stronger foundation for future generations.” Tinubu told lawmakers.
“Our democracy, though tested, remains unbroken. Together, we will weather the storm.”
But outside the National Assembly, demonstrators expressed frustration over what they described as a growing disconnect between the promises of government and the realities on the ground.
Uche Obi, a 29-year-old university graduate and one of the protest leaders, spoke passionately to reporters:
“We are not enemies of democracy. In fact, we’re here because we believe in it. But this government needs to hear our cry, people are hungry, jobless, and losing hope. If Democracy Day means anything, it should be about accountability.”
Another protester, Aisha Abdullahi, a single mother and teacher, held up a placard that read “No food, no fuel, no future?”
“I came here not because I’m political,” she said.
“I came because I can’t afford basic food anymore.
We need policies that touch ordinary lives.”
The protest remained largely peaceful, though heavily guarded by security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence Corps, and DSS operatives. Authorities had cordoned off parts of the Three Arms Zone, and riot control units stood by in case of escalation. Organizers maintained a disciplined approach, ensuring that no violence broke out and emphasizing their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Police spokesperson ACP Remi Adeyemi confirmed that no arrests had been made as of Wednesday evening, stating that “the protest was under observation, and our focus was to ensure it remained peaceful and lawful.”
Inside the National Assembly, the protests did not go unnoticed. A few lawmakers, particularly from the opposition, acknowledged the unrest in their statements after the President’s speech.
Senator Musa Lawal (PDP, Niger East) said:
“We must not ignore the voices outside. The people are crying out, and it is our duty as representatives to carry their pain into these chambers.”
Others, including some members of the ruling APC, urged for calm and praised the administration’s long-term economic vision, emphasizing that recovery takes time.
As the sun set over Abuja and protesters began to disperse, many vowed to continue their advocacy in the days ahead. Civil society groups have called for more public forums, policy reviews, and citizen-government dialogues to address mounting frustration in the country.
While President Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech aimed to chart a path of national unity and resilience, the scene outside the National Assembly served as a stark reminder: for democracy to endure, it must deliver not just on rights and representation—but on results.
“Democracy without development is just decoration,” said one protester, before walking away, holding his flag high.
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