THE CRIMINALIZATION OF POLITICAL DISSENT: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ARREST OF #ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTESTERS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study In democratic societies, the right to dissent and engage in peaceful protest is widely recognized as a cornerstone of freedom of expression. These mechanisms provide citizens with avenues to express grievances, influence policy direction, and ensure government accountability. According to Ayodele (2019), protest movements have long served as vital instruments of civic engagement across Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among youth populations mobilizing against perceived state injustices or repressive policies. Nigeria, operating under a constitutional democracy, enshrines these rights in its 1999 Constitution—specifically in Sections 39 and 40, which guarantee freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. Nevertheless, recent developments suggest an increasing tendency by the Nigerian state to criminalize dissent through arrests and detention of protesters, undermining the democratic principles it claims to uphold. Although the suppression of peaceful protest in Nigeria is not unprecedented, the growing frequency and intensity of state repression—particularly under recent administrations—raise serious concerns about the erosion of democratic norms. Ibrahim and Hassan (2021) underscore that during the October 2020 #EndSARS demonstrations against police brutality, what began as a peaceful uprising escalated into violent confrontations with security forces, resulting in widespread arrests, injuries, and fatalities (Amnesty International, 2020). The state’s aggressive response to these protests underscored a broader pattern of intolerance towards critical voices, evident in the detention of protesters, harassment of journalists, and contraction of civic spaces. The emergence of the #EndBadGovernance movement illustrates a continuation of this pattern, as it channels public frustration over systemic corruption, unemployment, inadequate public services, and deepening poverty. Much like #EndSARS, this movement reflects the sentiments of a disillusioned populace, particularly the youth, who perceive themselves as casualties of persistent governance failures (Amnesty International, 2024). As Olukotun (2024) explains, the protest—spanning ten days—was marked by significant youth mobilization, emphasizing demands for accountability, transparency, and institutional reform. Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the government’s response was marked by the use of excessive force, arbitrary detentions, and repression of leading activists. Ojo (2024) contends that these arrests signal a broader strategy employed by the Tinubu administration to quash opposition and control public discourse, posing a threat to the democratic ideals of free speech and assembly. Similarly, Olukotun (2021) argues that democratic governance thrives on civic participation and respect for individual liberties. When dissent becomes criminalized, such fundamental democratic principles are undermined, discouraging citizen engagement and participation in political processes. Adebayo (2021) highlights that the continued repression of dissenters through unlawful arrests, prolonged detention, and judicial persecution signifies an authoritarian drift, with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democratic institutions. This creates a political climate in which dissent is conflated with insurrection and opposition is met with systematic violence. 1.2 Statement of the Problem In theory, democratic governance flourishes where citizens enjoy the freedom to express dissent and challenge government actions through peaceful protests (Dahl, 2018). In practice, however, Nigeria is experiencing a rising trend of repressing dissent, with state security agencies increasingly arresting and detaining protesters (Amnesty International, 2020). This approach has raised alarm regarding the erosion of civil liberties and the shrinking of democratic space in the country. The response of the Tinubu-led government to the #EndBadGovernance protests has been particularly troubling. Arrests of demonstrators have been interpreted as efforts to silence opposition and maintain political dominance. Human Rights Watch (2024) reports that, in addition to detaining protesters, state authorities have threatened protest organizers and targeted social media users who express support for the movement. These actions are contributing to an atmosphere of fear, thereby discouraging political participation and suppressing open critique of governance. A notable incident involved the arrest and detention without charge of prominent protest figures, with the state citing concerns for national security and public order as justification. However, human rights advocates argue that these justifications contravene the Nigerian Constitution, which protects the right to peaceful assembly (Section 40, 1999 Constitution). The judiciary has also faced criticism for allegedly enabling these suppressive practices by issuing arrest warrants based on dubious allegations (Ibrahim & Hassan, 2024). Scholars have explored the wider implications of such repression. Ibrahim and Hassan (2021) observe that the criminalization of protest undermines civic engagement and deters public participation in governance. Adebayo (2021) notes that such arrests frequently involve human rights violations, including unlawful detention, harassment, and in some cases, torture—further alienating citizens from the political process. Adediran (2022) asserts that youth-led protests such as #EndSARS have elicited especially harsh responses due to their perceived threat to the political establishment. Despite these important contributions, there remains a significant gap in empirical research regarding the long-term impact of state repression on democratic institutions in Nigeria, particularly in relation to the recent #EndBadGovernance protest. While existing literature discusses the criminalization of protest generally, there is limited analysis of how such repression influences institutional integrity and civic engagement in the broader democratic context. Specifically, there is a need to explore how these repressive tactics have reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape and weakened key democratic actors such as the judiciary, civil society organizations, and the media. This study seeks to fill that gap by examining the implications of protester arrests for democratic governance in Nigeria. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The objectives of this study is focused on The Criminalization of Political Dissent: A Critical Analysis of the Arrest of #EndBadGovernance Protesters and Its Implications for Democratic Governance in Nigeria. Specifically, the study seeks to : i.examine the causes of #EndBadGovernance protest under Tinubu-Led administration ii.investigate the reasons behind arresting #EndBadGovernance protesters in Nigeria. iii.assess the impact of the arrest of #EndBadGovernance protesters on democratic governance in Nigeria. 1.4 Research Questions i.What are the causes of #EndBadGovernance protest under Tinubu-Led administration ii.What are the reasons behind arresting #EndBadGovernance protesters in Nigeria? iii.How do the arrests of protesters impact democratic governance in Nigeria? 1.5 Research Hypotheses Ho: The criminalization of protests does not undermine democratic governance in Nigeria Hi: The criminalization of protests significantly undermines democratic governance in Nigeria 1.6 Significance of the Study Practically, this study is significant as it sheds light on the growing trend of criminalizing dissent in Nigeria and its implications for democratic governance. It provides insights for policymakers, civil society organizations, and human rights activists who are working to protect civil liberties and promote democratic principles in Nigeria. By highlighting the impacts of arresting protesters, the study will contribute to ongoing efforts to reform governance practices and promote more inclusive political participation in the country. Theoretically, study will contribute to the body of literature on civil liberties, democratic governance, and protest movements, particularly in the context of African democracies. It will offer a theoretical framework for understanding how state repression affects democratic institutions and processes, and how marginalized groups experience these repressive measures differently. This will be valuable for scholars interested in the intersection of governance, human rights, and social movements. 1.7 Scope of the Study The study will focus on The Criminalization of Political Dissent: A Critical Analysis of the Arrest of #EndBadGovernance Protesters and Its Implications for Democratic Governance in Nigeria. The content will cover the causes of #EndBadGovernance protest under Tinubu-Led administration, the reasons behind arresting #EndBadGovernance protesters in Nigeria, .the legal, political, and social implications of these arrests, while the geographical scope will be limited to Abuja, Nigeria where the protests were prominent. 1.8 Limitations of the Study One limitation of this study is the availability of reliable data on protest-related arrests, as government records may not be comprehensive, and many cases of unlawful detention are underreported. Additionally, given the sensitive nature of the topic, some participants may be hesitant to provide detailed accounts of their experiences due to fear of reprisal. This could affect the breadth of data collected. Another limitation is the focus on Abuja, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other regions. While the study will offer valuable insights into the impact of protester arrests on democratic governance in Nigeria, the findings may not fully capture the nuances of similar situations in other countries with different political, legal, and social dynamics. 1.9 Definition of Key Terms Criminalizing Dissent: The process by which the state uses legal and extralegal measures to suppress opposition and protest activities. Democratic Governance: A system of governance characterized by participation, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Protester: An individual or group of people who publicly demonstrate or voice opposition to government policies or actions.