A civic organisation, Democracy Watch Frontiers (DWF), has condemned what it described as opposition-sponsored protests aimed at undermining the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying such actions amount to a cynical exploitation of the suffering of victims of insecurity.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, 31 May, 2026, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Danjuma Ahmed, warned Nigerians against attempts to manipulate public opinion ahead of the 2027 general elections through misinformation and emotionally charged narratives.
According to the organisation, certain political actors are deliberately seeking to discredit the government by exploiting security challenges and other national concerns for partisan advantage.
DWF alleged that similar tactics were employed during previous election cycles, particularly in the lead-up to the 2015 general elections, when coordinated campaigns contributed to negative perceptions of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The group also criticised reactions to recent security incidents, including the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, accusing critics of using such tragedies to score political points.
It further claimed that several images and reports circulating on social media regarding security challenges were either manipulated or presented out of context, urging citizens to verify information before sharing them.
“Terrorists all over the world are known not only to be heartless but often irrational in their actions. However, opposition elements are exploiting the situation as usual. Most of the pictures being circulated are manipulated and completely false,” the statement said.
DWF called on Nigerians to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies, stressing that authorities should remain focused on rescue and recovery operations rather than political distractions.
The organisation also referenced international reactions to acts of political violence, noting that democratic societies must reject violence regardless of political differences.
Ahmed stated that while peaceful protests remain a legitimate feature of democracy, they should not be used as tools for political destabilisation.
“We believe firmly that protests are normal and are to be expected in any democracy, provided they are not sponsored by opposition elements with subversive motives and aimed at creating disaffection between the citizenry and the government,” he said.
“That, unfortunately, is the undercurrent we have noticed in the so-called ‘mother of all protests’ being organised to heat up the polity and aggravate the pains of victims of insecurity.”
The group urged political stakeholders to pursue their ambitions through constructive democratic engagement rather than divisive campaigns, emphasising that national unity, peace, and stability should take precedence over partisan interests.
