What is your stance on citizens' right to hold peaceful protests against government policies?
On protests, I have spoken in support of citizens' right to make their voices heard. When the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations began, I called them a vital channel for the public to express disapproval of government policies and to further the conversation about good governance in our nation. I commended protesters for conducting themselves with peace and restraint, and I urged more of you to show solidarity with that peaceful protest, because this is a moment for our collective voice to be heard with dignity and respect for the law.
I have also been clear that this right is not a favour from anyone. It is enshrined in our Constitution. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association, and it is affirmed by our courts. A responsible government must ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens to exercise that right, and any attempt to suppress it is unconstitutional and a direct affront to our democracy.
When protesters faced violence, including the use of live ammunition in Kano and Abuja, I condemned it as utterly intolerable, and I called on security agencies to exercise restraint, to stop the molestation of journalists covering the protests, and to engage more professionally. I reaffirmed my counsel to protesters to steadfastly exercise their right to peaceful protest and to reject any form of violence, while I called on the international community to monitor the situation and hold leadership and security agencies accountable.
Where this comes from
Post on X Post by @atiku on X · https://x.com/atiku/status/1815751541757772059 2024-07-23 ›
For the avoidance of doubt, the rights of citizens to protest are ENSHRINED in the Nigerian Constitution and AFFIRMED by our courts. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered) unequivocally guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.
Chasing shadows and contriving purported persons behind the protests is an exercise in futility when it is obvious that Nigerians, including supporters of Tinubu and the ruling APC, are caught up in the hunger, anger, and hopelessness brought about by the incompetence and cluelessness of this government.
It is deeply ironic that those who now seek to stifle these rights were themselves leading protests in 2012. A responsible government must ensure a SAFE and SECURE environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to PEACEFUL PROTEST. Any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to our democracy. -AA
Post on X Post by @atiku on X · https://x.com/atiku/status/1815752042087919780 2024-07-23 ›
For the avoidance of doubt, the rights of citizens to protest are ENSHRINED in the Nigerian Constitution and AFFIRMED by our courts. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered) unequivocally guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.
Chasing shadows and contriving purported persons behind the planned protests is an exercise in futility when it is obvious that Nigerians, including supporters of Tinubu and the ruling APC, are caught up in the hunger, anger, and hopelessness brought about by the incompetence and cluelessness of this government.
It is deeply ironic that those who now seek to stifle these rights were themselves leading protests in 2012. A responsible government must ensure a SAFE and SECURE environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to PEACEFUL PROTEST. Any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to our democracy. -AA
Post on X Post by @atiku on X · https://x.com/atiku/status/1819341727666442388 2024-08-02 ›
The commencement of public protests across the country yesterday is noteworthy. These demonstrations have opened a vital channel for the public to express disapproval of government policies, furthering the essential conversation about good governance in our nation.
For the most part, protesters have conducted themselves with admirable peace and must be commended for their restraint and dedication. However, in some isolated instances, there have been reports of violence, leading to regrettable clashes and brutalities by the police.
I urge the protesters to maintain their peaceful stance and call on more Nigerians to show solidarity and support for the #EndBadGovernance peaceful protest. This is a pivotal moment for our collective voice to be heard, and it must be done with dignity and respect for the law.
I also call on the police to engage more professionally in managing these protests. The needless killing of innocent citizens by security agencies is unacceptable. The police must refrain from the molestation of journalists who are merely reporting the protest. It is imperative that security agencies exercise restraint while enforcing law and order.
Post on X Post by @atiku on X · https://x.com/atiku/status/1819826969883685031 2024-08-03 ›
I vehemently condemn the heinous act of using live ammunition on citizens peacefully protesting against bad governance, as witnessed today in Kano and Abuja. This is utterly intolerable and reminiscent of the dark days of military dictatorship.
It is crucial to remind the government and security agencies of their paramount duty to ensure a safe and secure environment where citizens can exercise their right to protest without fear.
When security forces open fire on innocent protesters, they do nothing but exacerbate tensions, transforming peaceful demonstrations into chaos. I refuse to believe that inciting violence is the intention of our authorities.
I urge the international community, including the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, to closely monitor the situation in Nigeria and hold its leadership and security apparatus accountable.
I reaffirm my counsel to protesters to steadfastly exercise their right to peaceful protest and reject any form of violence.
Post on X Post by @atiku on X · https://x.com/atiku/status/1820895422019219536 2024-08-06 ›
I wish to convey a stern caution to the distinguished service chiefs and military commanders of Nigeria's armed forces that those who authorise the use of lethal force against peaceful civilian protesters will be held responsible for committing crimes against humanity, even in the years following their retirement from service. The constitutional right to engage in protest is firmly established within our supreme law and reinforced by the judiciary. It is the solemn duty of the government and security agencies to ensure a safe and protected environment for individuals exercising their right to peaceful protest. -AA
Post on X Post by @atiku on X · https://x.com/atiku/status/1821192890132873346 2024-08-07 ›
I am heartened by the acknowledgement made by the Nigerian Army regarding the tragic incident that resulted in the loss of a young protester's life. I also urge for thorough investigations into other instances of violence perpetrated by the military, police, and other security agencies during these protests, in the spirit of accountability.
The decision to detain the soldier responsible for this unfortunate incident marks a commendable step towards accountability and preserving the rule of law. I have consistently advised the service chiefs and military commanders that the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters must not be authorized. Upholding the principle of accountability is paramount, and the actions taken by the Nigerian Army in apprehending and, hopefully, prosecuting the soldier responsible for this incident align with this fundamental principle.
Even amidst conflicts, it is crucial to adhere to rules of engagement. Soldiers should not be deployed to suppress civil rights protests. -AA
p. 1 CANDIDATE-APPROVED ANSWER Candidate-approved answer 2026-10-11 ›
The right to protest isn't something I'd stand in the way of, it's enshrined in Section 40 of our Constitution and affirmed by our courts, and that doesn't change based on who the protest is criticising. A government's duty, as I've said, is to ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens to exercise that right, not to stifle it. Any attempt to suppress peaceful protest is unconstitutional and a direct affront to our democracy.
p. 1 CANDIDATE-APPROVED ANSWER Candidate-approved answer 2026-10-17 ›
On security, the killings happening across Nigeria, in Kebbi, Zamfara, Plateau, Benue and Kano, among other places, are a reminder of how urgent this crisis has become. I have called on the Federal Government to urgently review and strengthen the security architecture, deploy adequate personnel across vulnerable communities, and intensify intelligence led operations. Our citizens deserve protection, dignity and peace, nothing less. I believe that with the right political leadership, our security forces have the capacity to take on the insecurity confronting this country, and it is urgent for citizens to unite and rescue Nigeria. When tragedies occur, including strikes that take the lives of innocent Nigerians, I have insisted this demands urgent review, accountability and decisive action to prevent a recurrence, because upholding the duty to protect every citizen is the ultimate essence of national security. I have also made clear that security forces must never turn on citizens exercising their right to peaceful protest, and that government and security agencies carry a paramount duty to keep people safe.