Democracy Day: Protesters March in Lagos, Police Assure of Maximum Security

Kehinde Adeleye

As Nigerians marks it annual Democracy Day, protesters gathered in Ikeja, Lagos, under the banner of “End Bad Governance” to voice their frustration over the state of the nation.

The demonstration, which took place beneath the Ikeja Underbridge, drew a significant number of participants calling for reforms and improved governance. Officers from the Lagos State Police Command were on the ground to ensure the safety of all involved.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, was seen addressing the protesters directly, urging calm and reiterating the police’s commitment to protecting their rights to peaceful assembly.

Earlier, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer shared a video of the scene on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, showing armed officers at the protest location. His caption read:

“Democracy Day celebrants and protesters at Ikeja Underbridge…
Adequate security on the ground for celebrants and protesters alike.
No cause for alarm. Your safety and security remain our priority. #LagosPoliceNG”

Despite a prior agreement between the Lagos Police Command and 15 Civil Society Organisations that Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota would be the only approved venue for protests, demonstrators still assembled in Ikeja.

As of the time of reporting, the protest remained peaceful, with security personnel maintaining order and avoiding confrontation.

Democracy Day, observed annually on June 12, commemorates Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 and honors the struggle for democratic governance.