- Gabam lamented the widespread suffering among Nigerians and emphasized that the protest is in the best interest of the masses
The Social Democratic Party, SDP has expressed its support for the upcoming nationwide protest against the economic hardship affecting the country.
This announcement was made by the SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
Gabam lamented the widespread suffering among Nigerians and emphasized that the protest is in the best interest of the masses.
“Being conscious that we have no other country except Nigeria, we in the Social Democratic Party support the protest. We also call on all security agencies to be civil in responding to the yearnings and concerns of millions of Nigerians,” he stated.
His remarks come a week after Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, defended President Bola Tinubu, attributing the economic challenges and inflation to global phenomena rather than the president’s policies.
Uzodimma argued, “It would be unfair for anybody to blame the president. The biting hardship is a global phenomenon and not limited to Nigeria.”
Gabam, however, maintained that his party endorses the protest to show solidarity with Nigerians.
He urged protesters to conduct themselves peacefully to prevent the demonstration from being hijacked. “The struggle for a better Nigeria is the responsibility of all irrespective of our political differences and dispositions,” he added.
He further appealed to security agencies to treat protesters with respect and understanding, noting, “They must stay aware that the protesters are their brothers and sisters, not enemies of the state. We believe in the welfare and the future of the country.”
Meanwhile, a civil society organization has urged the organizers of the planned protest to reconsider.
Khadija Yusuf, convener of the Door-to-Door Youth and Women Initiative for Good Governance, called for strategic engagement and collaboration with the government instead of protests.
“As the call for the #EndBadGovernance protest gains momentum, I urge you to channel your remarkable strength and wisdom towards dialogue, collaboration, and constructive engagement,” she said.
“We must be aware that some of the voices pushing for these protests are those who have lost in the political arena and are desperate to plunge our country into crisis for their gain. Our current reality and hunger level in the land stretch beyond social or economic strata.”
She concluded by stressing the importance of constructive dialogue over sensationalized protests.
“Our voices are valid, and our concerns are genuine. However, the narrative in our media spaces, mainly social media, has exposed a sinister plot to cause anarchy in the land, banking on our diversity.”