A coalition of civil society organisations, activists, labour groups and youth movements has declared June 12, 2026, a day of nationwide protest against worsening insecurity, economic hardship and deteriorating living conditions across Nigeria.

The protest, scheduled to coincide with the country’s Democracy Day celebration, is being championed by prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana and popular musician-turned-activist Falz, alongside several civil society leaders and advocacy groups.

In a joint statement released ahead of the demonstration, the coalition expressed concern over what it described as the growing suffering of Nigerians amid rising insecurity, inflation and poverty.

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According to the group, millions of citizens have little reason to celebrate Democracy Day as many communities continue to battle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The statement was jointly endorsed by Falana, National Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB); Hassan Taiwo Soweto of the #EndBadGovernance Movement; Yinka Folarin of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR); Falz and several other civil society advocates.

The coalition lamented that innocent Nigerians are being killed, abducted and displaced while many families continue to live in fear due to the worsening security situation across the country.

“The Nigerian people deserve a government that places the protection of lives and property at the centre of governance,” the coalition stated.

The group further demanded the immediate release of citizens currently being held captive by kidnappers and criminal groups in various parts of the country.

It also criticised what it described as inadequate responses to insecurity despite repeated assurances by authorities that the situation was improving.

According to the coalition, schools remain vulnerable to attacks, farmers face challenges accessing their farmlands and many major highways are still considered unsafe for travellers.

Beyond security concerns, the coalition highlighted the growing economic hardship facing Nigerians, citing rising fuel prices, currency devaluation, increased electricity tariffs and the soaring cost of essential goods and services.

The statement noted that food prices have continued to rise sharply, making it increasingly difficult for families to meet their basic needs.

It added that transportation costs have become unbearable for many citizens, while small and medium-sized businesses are struggling to survive due to high operating costs, unstable electricity supply and declining consumer purchasing power.

The coalition also expressed concern over stagnant wages and persistent inflation, arguing that workers’ incomes can no longer adequately support their households.

Explaining the purpose of the June 12 protest, the organisers said the nationwide action is intended to compel the government to take urgent and practical steps to tackle insecurity and implement policies that will ease the economic burden on citizens.

The coalition called on workers, students, traders, artisans, market women, professionals, unemployed youths, religious organisations and labour unions to mobilise and participate peacefully in the demonstration.

“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.

The organisers described the planned protest as a democratic expression of citizens’ frustrations and a collective demand for a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has insisted that political power in Nigeria will remain unchanged even if insecurity in the country worsens, declaring that the ruling party remains firmly in control ahead of future elections.

Okpebholo made the statement on Tuesday during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the upcoming local government council elections in Edo South Senatorial District.

The governor said the recent rise in insecurity across parts of the country is being politicised, alleging that some actors are deliberately worsening the situation to discredit President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

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He maintained that such efforts would not succeed in altering the political direction of the country.

“Even if insecurity worsens, power will not change hands. They can even kidnap all of us—there is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” Okpebholo declared.

He further argued that those behind the alleged political manipulation of insecurity have no viable alternative agenda, stressing that violence would only harm ordinary citizens rather than achieve political gain.

The governor also defended the performance of the federal government, noting that key policy decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidy, were beginning to translate into visible development projects across states.

He commended candidates of the All Progressives Congress who emerged from the party primaries for the forthcoming council polls, urging them to take the party’s message of development to grassroots communities.

Okpebholo expressed confidence that the party’s performance at the local government elections would strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The event also featured the official unveiling of APC candidates for various positions in Edo South Senatorial District.

The Senate has raised concerns over the financial operations of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), questioning alleged expenditures including N153 million reportedly spent on renting a single-room liaison office in Abuja.

The matter was raised during an investigative hearing of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, as lawmakers examined the commission’s 2025 budget implementation and spending records.

The committee disclosed that the SEDC received N16.6 billion in December 2025, with about N13 billion reportedly remaining in its account, suggesting that roughly N3.6 billion had already been expended.

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Lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the financial report submitted by the commission, insisting that several figures were unclear and required detailed justification.

A key concern was the alleged N153 million spent on office rent in Abuja, despite the commission’s headquarters being located in Enugu.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu described the financial submission as unacceptable and demanded proper accountability.

“This committee is disappointed with the financial report presented. It is completely unacceptable,” Kalu said.

Other members of the committee also questioned additional expenditures reflected in the report, including about N2.5 billion described as unclear or insufficiently explained.

Responding to the concerns, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the SEDC, Mark Okoye, defended the commission’s spending, insisting that all expenditures were carried out prudently and within available resources.

Okoye explained that the commission operates based on actual cash releases rather than full budgeted allocations, noting that this approach helps prevent financial mismanagement.

“For example, having a budget of N140 billion does not automatically mean that N140 billion in cash is available. It would be irresponsible to award contracts worth the entire budget if only N10 billion or N20 billion has actually been released,” he said.

However, the committee was not satisfied with the explanations and directed the commission to submit full documentation of all expenditures, including contract details, payment records, and supporting documents, on or before June 23.

Senator Kalu added that the committee would review the documents before fixing another date for further appearance.

“By the 23rd, we want to have the complete documentation. Once we receive and review the documents, we will determine the date for your next appearance before the committee,” he stated.

The hearing was thereafter adjourned, with lawmakers insisting on full transparency and accountability in the management of public funds allocated to the commission.