De General Advises Nigerians Against Street Protests, Urges Focus on Elections

Popular comedian De General has stirred public debate after advising Nigerians to reconsider street protests as a solution to the country’s ongoing security and governance challenges.

Speaking during a livestream with TikToker Johbad, De General argued that protests in recent years have not produced meaningful results. According to him, past demonstrations have often ended in tragedy or public frustration, without leading to lasting policy changes.

He referenced earlier protests where lives were reportedly lost, yet authorities maintained that little or no impact was achieved, describing the situation as discouraging for citizens who take to the streets hoping for reform.

Instead of street demonstrations, the comedian urged Nigerians to focus on the electoral process. He emphasized that the most effective way to drive change is through voting, encouraging citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in future elections.

Opinion: Protest Fatigue vs Civic Responsibility

De General reflects a growing sentiment among some Nigerians who feel that street protests have lost effectiveness in driving immediate political change. In a system where protests are often met with heavy security responses or fade without policy follow-through, skepticism is understandable.

However, protests and elections are not mutually exclusive tools. Protests can raise awareness and pressure leadership, while elections provide the formal pathway for long-term change. When either is abandoned completely, public influence over governance becomes weaker.

The real challenge is not choosing between protest and voting, but ensuring that both civic tools are used strategically, safely, and consistently to demand accountability.