Youth-led non-governmental and civil society organisation, Youths Off The Street Initiative (YOTSI) has formally notified the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) of its intention to carry out a peaceful protest in Abuja against what it describes as the growing political hostility and undemocratic practices in Enugu State. Demographic
In separate letters to the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS, the organisation said the protest is meant to draw national attention to developments it believes could threaten democratic participation, political stability and public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections, reports Sunday Guardian.
Both security services recognised the letters, which said YOTSI and its partners are exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of association and freedom of expression.
The demonstration, the organisation said, was to expose alleged political intimidation, antagonism and what it called undemocratic behaviour of political actors in Enugu State.
YOTSI said that failure to address these developments could damage democratic participation and destroy faith in the democratic process in the country as it prepares for the next general elections. Population
The group also voiced concern that the state’s political climate could pose hazards to peace, political stability and national security if not addressed by proactive democratic engagement and respect for the rule of law.
“Our goal is to advocate for the sustenance of democracy, rule of law, political tolerance and protection of the constitutional rights of every citizen to participate freely in the democratic process without fear of intimidation or discrimination,” the organisation said.
The notice says the protest is scheduled for August 17, 2026. Participants will meet at Maitama Roundabout before travelling to the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.
Organisers say they expect up to 3,000 individuals to take part.
YOTSI reassured the security agencies that the protest would be peaceful and orderly, adding that participants had been advised to be law-abiding and avoid any conduct that could disrupt public tranquillity.
The association also urged proper deployment of security to protect demonstrators, members of the public and public infrastructure during the exercise.
The group’s Founding President, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, stated at a news conference ahead of the scheduled demonstration that the rising intolerance for alternative voices in Enugu State should be of worry to advocates of democracy.
He said democracy flourished when citizens could freely express their opinions, question the authorities and engage in politics without fear.
Iyere said the planned protest was to safeguard democratic values and to highlight concerns which, in the organisation’s view, could undermine public faith in elections if not addressed.
He said that criticism of public office holders is a fundamental part of democratic administration and political disagreements should be resolved via conversation, accountability and respect for constitutional rights.
He called on political stakeholders to exercise prudence, political tolerance and constitutionalism, adding that peaceful elections, respect for the rule of law and equal protection of citizens regardless of party affiliation continue to be fundamental to democratic growth.
But our message is simple,” he said. “No government should do anything to undermine the public’s confidence in elections and democratic space.
The group claimed its lobbying is about encouraging peaceful political competition, democratic freedoms and maintaining stability ahead of the elections in 2027.
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