Sixty-seven prominent civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria have raised concerns over the escalating attacks on the country’s civic space under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The organisations accuse the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government of using security agencies to intimidate, harass, and suppress labour groups and outspoken CSOs.
One disturbing trend highlighted by the CSOs is the increased targeting of journalists, which undermines the fundamental principles of democracy and freedom of expression.
In a joint statement, the CSOs demanded the immediate release of #EndBadGovernance protesters and the dismissal of treason charges filed against them.
They also called for an end to the harassment of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president Joe Ajaero and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.
This development is part of a broader pattern of civic space violations in Nigeria, including disruptions of peaceful protests, forceful abductions, and restrictions on digital rights and press freedom.
The CSOs’ statement underscores the need for greater protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms, ensuring a safe and enabling environment for civil society to thrive.
The organisations said, “This growing pattern of repression is not only disturbing but dangerous for Nigeria’s democracy. It appears to be a calculated effort to suppress opposition and manage rising public dissatisfaction with the government.
“Therefore, we condemn in strong terms the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to suppress dissent among citizens, restrict civil society, and undermine Nigeria’s civic environment.
“We urge the prompt rectification of the numerous errors made in the past months, which have not only eroded public trust but have also created an atmosphere of fear and repression.
“It is imperative that the government acknowledges these missteps and takes immediate action to restore the rights and freedoms that are the cornerstone of a democratic society.
“This includes the retraction of any policies or actions that unjustly limit the ability of citizens to express their opinions, assemble peacefully, and engage in meaningful dialogue with their government.
“Furthermore, we assert the necessity for the respect of constitutionally protected rights, including freedom of assembly and association, freedom of expression, and the principles of participatory governance. These rights are not merely privileges; they are fundamental to the functioning of a healthy democracy.”
The statement was jointly signed by 67 civil society organizations: 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), Amnesty International Nigeria, Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP), BudgIT Foundation, Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and others.
