The Take It Back Movement has announced plans to stage a nationwide protest on August 5, urging Nigerians to participate in what it described as the “Festival of the Oppressed” over rising insecurity, worsening economic hardship and alleged democratic repression under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The movement disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, saying the demonstration would provide citizens with an opportunity to express their grievances over the country’s political, economic and security challenges.
The planned protest is expected to test public sentiment ahead of the 2027 general elections as economic hardship, insecurity and governance remain dominant issues in Nigeria’s political discourse.
According to the group, insecurity has continued to worsen across the country, with many Nigerians still in captivity while communities in Borno, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, Oyo, Kaduna and Benue states continue to experience attacks by armed groups.
“Nigeria is bleeding. Across every region of the country, ordinary people are paying the price for the failures of those in power,” the statement said.
The movement alleged that many families had been forced to negotiate ransom payments for abducted relatives while government authorities continued to issue what it described as empty assurances instead of delivering lasting security.
It also blamed the country’s rising cost of living on the removal of fuel subsidy and the continued depreciation of the naira, arguing that both had pushed inflation higher and made basic necessities unaffordable for millions of Nigerians.
“Food prices have become unbearable, transportation costs have multiplied, and millions of working Nigerians can no longer afford basic necessities,” the group stated.
The movement further accused the Federal Government of using the Cybercrime Act to suppress free expression, alleging that journalists, activists, students, labour organisers and ordinary citizens had increasingly faced arrests and prosecution for criticising those in authority.
“The laws have become tools for silencing dissent and criminalising criticism of those in power,” it said.
It also condemned what it described as political persecution, insisting that democracy cannot thrive where dissenting voices are treated as criminals. The group argued that Nigerian workers, including soldiers, police officers, nurses, teachers and civil servants, deserve improved wages and better welfare.
“A living wage is not a privilege; it is a basic requirement for dignity and productivity,” the statement added.
The movement also condemned recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa and called on relevant authorities to ensure the protection of Nigerians and other Africans living across the continent.
Among its demands, the group called for improved security and the rescue of Nigerians held captive, the release of political detainees, the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, implementation of a ₦500,000 national minimum wage, urgent measures to reduce the cost of living, the withdrawal of charges against activist Omoyele Sowore, the removal of the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the dismissal of the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Ajayi, and stronger protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Describing the planned demonstration, the movement said the protest would unite citizens from different walks of life to demand accountability and democratic reforms.
“The Festival of the Oppressed is more than a protest. It is a gathering of workers, students, artists, journalists, professionals, market traders, farmers and every Nigerian whose voice has been ignored by those in power,” the statement said.
It added, “History has repeatedly shown that no government willingly surrenders privilege without sustained democratic pressure from the people. The future of Nigeria cannot be left in the hands of a political class that continues to profit while millions sink deeper into hardship.”
The movement urged Nigerians to participate peacefully in the August 5 protest.
“We therefore call on Nigerians everywhere to peacefully mobilise, organise and participate in the August 5 Festival of the Oppressed. Let every community become a centre of democratic resistance. Let every oppressed Nigerian understand that they are not alone. Our demands are just. Our rights are non-negotiable. Our future must be reclaimed. Enough is enough,” the statement concluded.
West Trybe reports that the planned nationwide protest comes amid growing political debates over economic reforms, insecurity and governance, with civil society organisations and opposition groups increasingly demanding greater accountability as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.
