Hundreds of young people in Yobe State on Nigeria Independence Day after President Bola Tinubu spoke to the nation.
They carried placards and African Democratic Congress flags while chanting that Tinubu must go. The walk passed through the Tsohowar Kasuwa area and stayed peaceful according to people who watched.
The protest came shortly after Tinubu delivered his Independence Day address to Nigerians. Participants said the speech did not adequately address the difficulties they are facing, including the rising cost of living, poverty, unemployment, insecurity and concerns about education.
One participant said the demonstration was an exercise of the right to free speech, adding that many people were struggling with poverty, unemployment and insecurity.
Another protester, who identified with the opposition, said young people were worried about the condition of the economy and the education system.
An eyewitness identified as Malam Gambo said the protesters were angry about hunger, insecurity and what they described as poor leadership.
The demonstration was reported to have remained peaceful and orderly, with young men and women making up most of the crowd.
The rally was also linked to the African Democratic Congress, with ADC youth leader Umaru Dunda urging youths, women and other Nigerians to take part in efforts aimed at bringing political change through the 2027 general elections.
The protest adds to growing public demonstrations and political campaigns using the Tinubu Must Go slogan in different parts of Nigeria. The slogan has featured in street protests and online activism focused on economic conditions and opposition to a possible second term for Tinubu.
In a separate development, police in neighbouring Borno State said five men arrested in Maiduguri while wearing Tinubu Must Go shirts were also found with substances and other items that formed part of the case against them. Police said the arrests followed allegations involving conduct capable of causing public disturbance and later said the case was taken to court.
The Potiskum demonstration itself was reported as peaceful, with protesters using the streets to express their concerns about the economy, insecurity, unemployment and governance.
For the youths who gathered in Potiskum, the message was direct. They said they want their concerns about hunger, jobs, security, education and the cost of living to be heard and addressed as Nigeria moves toward the 2027 elections.
