Tension Grips Abuja As Take It Back Movement Launches Simultaneous Uprising Across 19 Cities

A nationwide showdown is brewing today as the Take It Back (TIB) Movement, alongside several civil society groups, vows to press ahead with Democracy Day demonstrations at the National Assembly and 19 other locations across Nigeria—despite warnings from security agencies.

Originally slated to hold at Eagle Square, the protest venue was relocated to the National Assembly complex—a move organizers describe as both symbolic and constitutionally justified.

Speaking with Punch, the National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said Nigerians are mobilizing across the country to protest what he described as “unprecedented hardship and insecurity under the Tinubu administration.”

“The protest aims to expose two years of misrule, economic pain, and worsening insecurity,” he stated. “Nigerians have been battered by anti-poor policies and misgovernance. We’re already on the ground—there’s nothing left to fear.”

He emphasized that mass poverty, youth unemployment, growing insecurity, and a lack of democratic accountability have left citizens with no choice but to speak out.

Despite reports of threats and harassment in several states—including Lagos, Bauchi, Gombe, Cross River, and Edo—TIB insists the protests will proceed as planned.

“Our leaders in Bauchi are being trailed by the police. In other states, our coordinators are facing intimidation. But we are undeterred. Defiance is our only path to reclaim our democracy,” Sanyaolu declared.

He also warned security forces against suppressing the rights of peaceful demonstrators, urging them to respect constitutional freedoms.

In Abuja, the movement’s Director of Mobilisation, Michael Adenola, confirmed growing support for the protests, particularly among disillusioned youths.

“Young people, angered by mass killings, joblessness, and neglect of public education, are ready to hit the streets. Expect thousands in Abuja alone,” he said.

Adenola further criticized the heavy-handed response of security operatives to previous protests.

“Our security agencies have repeatedly disgraced themselves by attacking peaceful demonstrators. There’s no justification for bringing lethal weapons to protests. Take those weapons to Sambisa or Plateau—where the real threats are,” he added.

Security Agencies on Alert

In anticipation of the protests, security has been tightened across major cities—including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kano. While no official ban has been placed on the demonstrations, authorities have warned against any acts that could lead to violence or unrest.