Heavy Police Presence as Democracy Day Protesters Gather in Ikeja
On the morning of June 12, 2025, Democracy Day, pro-democracy activists and civil society groups began gathering at the Ikeja Underbridge to protest the worsening economic conditions and rising insecurity across Nigeria.
In response, a heavy deployment of police officers, including personnel from the Nigeria Police Force's Area F Division, was observed at the scene.
The demonstrators, composed of activists, youth groups, and concerned citizens, are voicing their frustration over what they describe as increasing hardship, high inflation, and growing insecurity under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
"Democracy means more than elections it should deliver safety, food, and freedom," one protester stated.
Although the protest had yet to fully kick off by the time of reporting, security operatives maintained a high state of alert, with patrol vans stationed nearby and officers closely monitoring the gathering crowd.
Authorities have not made any official statement regarding the protest or the purpose of the increased security deployment, but local observers say it's likely a precautionary measure to prevent disruptions.
June 12 is observed annually to commemorate the 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll, which was later annulled by the military regime. It has since become a powerful symbol of the struggle for democratic rights and civic participation.
This year, however, that symbolism is being used to demand greater accountability and urgent reforms in Nigeria's economic and security sectors.
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