The Democracy Day protest planned by the #TakeItBackMovement in Abuja failed to go on as planned on Thursday, June 12. The organisers alleged government intimidation, police harassment, and fear of violence as major reasons for the low turnout. Despite days of mobilisation and a nationwide call to action, key protest locations in the Federal Capital Territory, including Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, the National Stadium, and Utako Market, remained calm.

The #TakeItBackMovement has vowed to go ahead with its nationwide protest on June 12 (Nigeria’s Democracy Day) over hardship, insecurity, and shrinking civic freedoms. The organisers, on Tuesday, released a list of over 20 states where demonstrations are expected to take place, and urged Nigerians to gather peacefully at designated venues. “June 12 represents an opportunity for Nigerians to peacefully demand good governance and accountability,” Juwon Sanyaolu, the movement’s national coordinator said.