Youths Off The Street Initiative (YOTSI), a youth-led civil society organisation has notified the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) of its plan to stage a peaceful protest in Abuja over what it described as “growing political intolerance and undemocratic practices” in Enugu State.
In separate letters addressed to the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS, the organisation said the demonstration was intended to draw national attention to developments it believes could undermine democratic participation, political stability and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the letters, YOTSI and its partner organisations said they were exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of association and freedom of expression.
According to the group, the planned protest was intended to highlight concerns over alleged political intimidation, intolerance and what it described as undemocratic actions by political actors in Enugu State.
They argued that if such developments were left unchecked, they could weaken democratic participation, erode citizens’ confidence in the electoral process and pose a threat to Nigeria’s democratic progress as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
The organisation further expressed concern that the prevailing political atmosphere in the state could endanger peace, political stability and national security if not addressed through constructive democratic engagement and strict adherence to the rule of law.
“Our objective is to advocate for the preservation of democracy, the rule of law, political tolerance and the protection of every citizen’s constitutional right to participate freely in the democratic process without fear of intimidation or discrimination,” the organisation stated.
The protest is scheduled to take place on August 17, 2026, with participants expected to assemble at the Maitama Roundabout before proceeding peacefully to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.
The organisers said approximately 3,000 participants are expected to take part in the demonstration.
YOTSI assured the security agencies that the protest would be peaceful, orderly and law-abiding, adding that participants had been instructed to conduct themselves responsibly and refrain from any action capable of disrupting public peace.
The organisation also appealed to the police and other relevant security agencies to provide adequate security throughout the exercise to safeguard protesters, members of the public and public infrastructure.
Kennedy Iyere, YOTSI founding president, who addressed a press conference over the matter, said: “The increasing intolerance towards opposition voices in Enugu State should concern all defenders of democracy”
He noted that democracy flourishes only when citizens are free to express divergent opinions, hold those in authority accountable and participate in the political process without fear of harassment or intimidation.
Iyere said the protest is intended to defend democratic values and draw national attention to developments which, in the organisation’s view, could undermine public confidence in future elections if left unresolved.
