Falz joins June 12 protest in Lagos, decries insecurity, economic hardship

Afrobeats star and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, on Friday joined Democracy Day protests in Lagos, accusing Nigerian leaders of neglecting the welfare of citizens amid worsening insecurity and economic hardship.

Falz spoke at the Ikeja Under-Bridge protest ground, one of the main convergence points for nationwide demonstrations held on June 12, 2026, which marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day. The protests were organised by a coalition of civil society groups, youth organisations, labour representatives, and human rights advocates.

The demonstrations focused on rising living costs, fuel price increases, electricity tariffs, and persistent insecurity across several regions of the country.

Speaking during the rally, Falz criticised what he described as a widening disconnect between government officials and ordinary Nigerians.

“They don’t care about us. They don’t care about ordinary people,” he said. “But it must be known that no Nigerian life is more important than the other. Every single Nigerian life matters and must be protected.”

The musician also expressed concern over recurring cases of kidnappings, attacks on schools, and rural insecurity, warning that the situation was creating fear and uncertainty among young Nigerians.

“People are being kidnapped left, right and centre,” he said. “Our students are being abducted while schools are open. It is deeply frustrating and it leaves young people disillusioned about the future.”

The Ikeja protest venue also saw a counter-demonstration by pro-government groups, who expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms and urged Nigerians to remain patient with ongoing policy adjustments.

Security personnel were deployed to the area to prevent clashes between both groups, forming barriers to maintain order as tensions rose during the day’s activities.

Falz, however, maintained that his participation in the protest was rooted in democratic expression rather than opposition to the system itself, insisting that citizens retain the power to demand accountability through elections.

“I still believe in the power of democracy,” he said. “The people hold the ultimate power, and the ballot box remains the strongest tool for change.”

The protests came on the same day the presidency defended its economic and security policies in a nationwide Democracy Day address, highlighting ongoing reforms and increased spending in critical sectors.

The demonstrations add to growing public debate over the state of the economy and security, as Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle in 2027.