The proposed nationwide protests against alleged bad governance by President Bola Tinubu’s administration have divided the nation, with support from northern leaders and opposition from the Niger Delta. Some state governments, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have obtained court orders restricting the movement of protesters.

Prominent northern leaders, including Professor Usman Yusuf, Hajia Najatu Muhammad, Mallam Salihu Lukman, and Dr. Umar Ardo, have announced their support for the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests, citing challenges of insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and corruption. They emphasized the constitutional right to protest and called for pragmatic government responses, including direct engagement with youth leaders and meaningful reforms.

The northern elders outlined demands for the government to engage in dialogue, implement reforms, support youth empowerment, enhance economic development, improve governance, and ensure security during the protests. They urged the government to demonstrate integrity and transparency.

However, representatives from the Niger Delta, during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the NDDC in Port Harcourt, expressed opposition to the protests, citing a lack of focus on Niger Delta issues and historical lack of support from other regions. Mr. Nature Kieghe, National Secretary of First Phase Ex-agitators, highlighted the need for peaceful protests and dialogue to address grievances.

Delta Youths and Yoruba leaders also voiced opposition, urging support for the government and cautioning against the disruptive potential of the protests. The Yoruba Leaders of Thought emphasized that protests would not solve the country’s economic challenges.

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) called on President Tinubu to address citizens in a broadcast to calm tensions and engage with legitimate grievances. CAPPA also urged the police to uphold citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.

Despite opposition, the protest group Enough Is Enough (EIE) confirmed that the protests would commence nationwide. Yemi Adamolekun, Executive Director of EIE, stated that the demands were based on public opinion polls conducted on social media.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, directed police officers to deal decisively with arsonists and troublemakers during the protests. He warned that intelligence indicated plans to unleash mayhem and emphasized the police’s role in protecting lives and property.

Protests are scheduled across all states and Abuja, driven by the economic hardship stemming from the government’s policies of petrol subsidy removal and forex window unification. Politicians and security agencies continue to urge youths to reconsider, but the protests are set to proceed.