Hundreds march in Potiskum, citing insecurity, unemployment and rising hardship
POTISKUM, NIGERIA — Hundreds of youths staged a peaceful protest in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State on Thursday, demanding political change and raising concerns over economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment.
The demonstration, held on October 1, Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day, was organised under the slogan “Tinubu Must Go.” Protesters marched through the Tsohowar Kasuwa area carrying placards and flags associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The protesters said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Independence Day address did not adequately address the challenges they face.
Protesters Cite Economic Hardship
Participants said they took to the streets to draw attention to what they described as worsening economic conditions since 2023.
One protester, who spoke anonymously, said the demonstration was an expression of the participants’ constitutional right to freedom of speech.
“We are suffering from this government,” the protester said, citing insecurity, poverty and unemployment as major concerns.
Another participant who identified with the opposition said young Nigerians were increasingly concerned about the state of the economy and the condition of the education sector.
The protesters also raised concerns about hunger, unemployment and insecurity, calling for changes in government policies and leadership.
March Held Peacefully
Eyewitnesses described the demonstration as peaceful and orderly, with young men and women making up most of the participants.
Some protesters carried ADC flags while others displayed placards expressing opposition to the Federal Government.
Malam Gambo, one of the participants, said the youths were protesting what they described as poor governance, hunger and insecurity.
A separate report on the demonstration said youths, businesspeople and women from different political backgrounds participated in the Potiskum protest, although the ADC featured prominently among those represented.
Protest Comes Amid Wider Political Activity
The Potiskum demonstration comes amid increased political activity and public protests as political groups begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.
Opposition parties and groups have increasingly focused their criticism of the Tinubu administration on economic hardship, fuel prices, unemployment and insecurity.
At the same time, government officials and supporters of the administration have continued to defend its economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidy, as necessary measures intended to address longstanding fiscal and structural challenges.
The Potiskum protesters, however, said the immediate impact of economic difficulties on ordinary Nigerians remained their primary concern.
The demonstration ended without reports of major disruption, with participants calling for greater attention to the economic and security challenges affecting residents of the state.
