During President Bola Tinubu’s two-day historic state visit to the UK (March 18–19, 2026), he was met with various protests and diplomatic pressures in London and Windsor. This visit was notable as the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years.
The most prominent demonstrations were organized by the IPOB UK chapter. Protesters gathered at Parliament Square, 10 Downing Street, the Commonwealth Office, and the Nigerian High Commission.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu (who was reportedly sentenced to life imprisonment in 2025), a referendum on Biafran self-determination, and an end to “bad governance” in Nigeria.
There was also a lone protester who was filmed in Windsor calling the President a “drug baron” and urging him to face alleged court cases in the United States.
Take It Back (TIB) Movement; Protesters from this group also appeared at Windsor Castle, accusing the administration of anti-people policies.
A cross-party group of UK MPs urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to confront President Tinubu regarding the killing and persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Groups like SERAP called on King Charles III to use the visit to press the Nigerian government on improving its human rights record.
In contrast to the protesters, many Nigerians in the diaspora also turned out to welcome the President. Supporters were seen along Windsor’s High Street chanting “On your mandate we shall stand” to show solidarity with the administration.
While these protests occurred, the President’s official schedule proceeded, including a State Banquet at Windsor Castle and high-level talks at 10 Downing Street focused on trade and security.
