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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 concerns it says relate to the political climate 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 intended to draw national attention to issues it believes could affect democratic participation, political stability and public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The letters, which the organisation said 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 raise concerns about what it describes as political intimidation, hostility and other actions it considers inconsistent with democratic principles in Enugu State.
YOTSI said it believes such developments, if left unaddressed, could undermine democratic participation and public confidence in the country’s democratic process ahead of the next general elections.
The organisation also said it is concerned that the political atmosphere in the state could affect peace and political stability if not addressed 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 said it has assured the security agencies that the protest will be peaceful and orderly, adding that participants have 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 during the exercise.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the planned demonstration, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, YOTSI’s Founding President, said the organisation is concerned about what it described as increasing intolerance towards opposition voices in Enugu State.
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 is intended to promote democratic values and draw attention to issues that, in the organisation’s view, could weaken public confidence in elections if left unresolved.
He said criticism of public office holders is an accepted feature of democratic governance and argued that political disagreements should be addressed through dialogue, accountability and respect for constitutional rights.
He called on political stakeholders to embrace restraint, political tolerance and constitutionalism, saying 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. 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 political stability ahead of the 2027 elections.
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