Defend our democratic rights, reject the return of authoritarianism

Sir: For decades, we waged a tough and determined struggle to end military rule, ultimately achieving victory in 1999. It was a hard-fought battle, driven by the collective will of activists, trade unionists, civil society groups, and citizens who believed in a democratic future. Today, those same democratic principles are under direct attack by a government veering toward authoritarianism.

The President Bola Tinubu’s regime alleged of: Detention of over 2,000 activists for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests; arrest of journalists; harassment of labour leaders; violation of Labour House and civil society organisations (CDHR) premises and freezing of bank accounts; midnight raids on activists’ homes and arrest of active Nigerian Diaspora visiting home, are blatant attempts to silence those who dare to resist.

The recent clampdown on the #EndBadGovernance protests is a clear sign of a government that fears accountability and is desperate to control through force and intimidation. The regime is making political prisoners of anyone brave enough to speak out. We did not fight against the military only to see our democratic rights eroded by those who once claimed to be partners in that struggle. The power of democracy lies in collective action; now is the time for all progressive forces to unite.

Trade unions, civil society organisations, student groups, professional associations and concerned citizens must come together and resist this creeping authoritarianism. We call on all organisations and individuals committed to justice to work in unison to defend our democratic rights.

The Tinubu regime’s tactics are not just attacks on specific individuals, trade unions or groups—they are attacks on the entire foundation of a democratic society. The government’s actions cannot go unchallenged. We must organise, mobilise, and resist these authoritarian moves at every level.

Now is the time for solidarity. We must come together, raise our voices, and demand a government that respects the rights and dignity of all citizens. The struggle for freedom and justice is ongoing—and together, we can stop the return of dictatorship.

We defeated dictatorship once. We will not allow its return.

Dr. Izielen Agbon and Dr. James Uanhoro are members of Socialist Labour.