Falana, Falz, CSOs Set June 12 For Mass Protest
A broad coalition of civil society organisations, trade unions, youth groups, community associations, social movements, faith-based bodies and concerned Nigerians has declared June 12, 2026, a day of nationwide protest and mass action against worsening insecurity, economic hardship and deteriorating living conditions across the country.
The planned demonstration coincides with Nigeria’s Democracy Day, a date the Federal Government designated to honour the late Chief MKO Abiola, presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election. The coalition said the action is aimed at drawing attention to growing challenges confronting citizens, including insecurity, inflation, poverty and the rising cost of living.
In a jointly signed statement issued on Wednesday, the coalition lamented that millions of Nigerians had little reason to celebrate Democracy Day as communities continued to grapple with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality. The statement said innocent Nigerians are being killed, abducted, displaced and traumatised while government responses have remained largely inadequate and ineffective.
The statement was signed by the National Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), Femi Falana; organising committee member of the #EndBadGovernance Movement, Hassan Taiwo Soweto; National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Yinka Folarin; Organising Secretary of the Nigeria Patriotic Front Movement, Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo; and Secretary of Initiative and Mediation, Zauren Tuntuba da Sasanci, Ali Attahiru.
Others include musician and activist Falz; Executive Director of the Moses Oisakede Leadership Foundation, Mike Igaga; President of PERESSA, Rufus Olusesan; Segun Oladunni of the Joint Action Front; General Secretary of Socialist Labour, Abiodun Olamosu; Jonathan Ugbal of the Calabar Group of Socialists; and Richard Inoyo of Citizens Solution Network. Also signing were Salako Kayode of the Revolutionary Socialist Movement, Omole Ibukun of the Centre for Creative Change, Adaramoye Michael of the Youth Rights Campaign, and Adewale Ojo, Chairman of CDHR Lagos.
The coalition expressed solidarity with families affected by terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, and called for immediate measures to secure the release of citizens held captive in several states, including Oyo, Borno, Katsina, Kwara, Ekiti, Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger. “The Nigerian people deserve a government that places the protection of lives and property at the centre of governance,” it stated.
On the economy, the coalition said rising fuel prices, currency devaluation, increased electricity tariffs and the high cost of essential services had worsened poverty and declining living standards. It noted that food prices had risen sharply, transportation costs had become difficult to bear, and many small and medium-scale enterprises were struggling under high operating costs, unstable electricity and reduced purchasing power. It added that workers’ wages had remained insufficient amid persistent inflation eroding household incomes.
The group called on workers, students, traders, artisans, market women, professionals, unemployed youths, community organisations, religious bodies and trade unions to mobilise in their communities, workplaces, campuses and neighbourhoods.
“The time has come for Nigerians to speak with one voice and demand security, dignity and a decent standard of living. Enough of the killings. Enough of the kidnappings. Enough of the hunger. Enough of the suffering,” the statement added.