Youths Off The Street Initiative (YOTSI), a youth-led non-governmental and civil society organisation, has formally notified the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) of its intention to stage a peaceful protest in Abuja over what it describes as growing political hostility 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 protest is aimed at drawing 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.

The letters, which were acknowledged by both security agencies, stated that YOTSI and its allies are exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of association and freedom of expression.

According to the organisation, the planned demonstration is intended to highlight concerns over alleged political intimidation, hostility and what it termed undemocratic conduct by political actors in Enugu State.

YOTSI argued that if such developments are not addressed, they could undermine democratic participation and erode confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process as the country prepares for the next general elections.

The group further expressed concern that the political atmosphere in the state could pose risks to peace, political stability and national security if not proactively managed through democratic engagement and 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.

According to the notice, the protest is scheduled for August 17, 2026. Participants are expected to assemble at Maitama Roundabout before proceeding to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

The organisers said about 3,000 people are expected to participate.

YOTSI assured the security agencies that the protest would be peaceful and orderly, adding that participants had been instructed to remain law-abiding and refrain from any conduct capable of breaching public peace.

The organisation also requested adequate security deployment to protect protesters, members of the public and public infrastructure throughout the exercise.

At a press conference ahead of the planned demonstration, the group’s Founding President, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, said increasing intolerance towards opposition voices in Enugu State should concern supporters of democracy.

According to him, democracy thrives when citizens are free to express their views, criticise those in authority and participate in politics without fear.

Iyere said the planned protest was intended to defend democratic values and draw attention to concerns that, in the view of the organisation, could weaken public confidence in elections if left unaddressed.

He maintained that criticism of public office holders is a recognised feature of democratic governance and argued that political disagreements should be addressed through dialogue, accountability and respect for constitutional rights.

The activist called on political stakeholders to embrace restraint, political tolerance and constitutionalism, stressing that peaceful elections, respect for the rule of law and equal protection of citizens regardless of political affiliation remain essential to democratic development.

“Our message is simple,” he said. “No government should create conditions that undermine public confidence in elections or weaken the democratic space.”

The group said its advocacy is focused on promoting peaceful political competition, democratic freedoms and the preservation of stability ahead of the 2027 elections. (The Guardian, excluding headline)

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