April 7, 2025: Nationwide Protest Against Governance Failures Looms in Nigeria
- Wisdom C. Nwoga
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
April 7, 2025: Nationwide Protest Against Governance Failures Looms in Nigeria
Security has been ramped up in Lagos and other major cities ahead of the April 7, 2025, nationwide protest led by the Take-It-Back movement and various civil society organisations. At the heart of the demonstration are deep frustrations over Nigeria’s worsening cost of living, growing authoritarian tendencies, and the shrinking space for free speech.
Protesters are demanding the repeal of the Cybercrime Act—widely criticised for its use in silencing dissent—and the lifting of what they call an “emergency rule” in Rivers State, where the political crisis has seen the suspension of legislative and judicial institutions. They argue that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, democratic structures are being systematically dismantled.
How this protest ends will largely depend on two things: the government’s response and the movement’s ability to remain unified and peaceful. If security forces resort to suppression, the protest may either fizzle out under pressure or escalate into unrest. However, if the protest draws broad public support and international attention, it could pressure the government into concessions—at least on the less controversial demands.
In a country where mass protests have historically shifted political conversations, this movement might serve as a turning point—or yet another missed opportunity for meaningful reform.
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