Former Edo Governor and current senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has commented on the #EndBadGovernance protests. During an interview with Arise TV on Wednesday, he claimed that the protests have evolved from addressing real issues like hunger and economic challenges to demanding a change in government.
Oshiomhole stated that while he supports the right to peaceful protest, he believes that the current demands are being used as a cover for pushing for a regime change. He stressed that the Nigerian constitution does not permit a lawful or peaceful call for a change in government outside of an election.
He remarked, “I acknowledge the right to peaceful protest, which I have personally exercised and benefited from. However, when protesting, one must consider the demands. Many protesters seem to be using the issues of hunger to mask their true intention of regime change. The constitution does not allow for regime change through protests; it can only be done via elections.”
Oshiomhole, drawing from his extensive experience in leading protests in both public and private sectors, emphasized that the only legitimate way to change a government is through the electoral process. He rejected any notion of a military takeover, insisting that governance is a serious responsibility.
“The core issue isn’t just about hunger,” he continued. “The real problem is that some people are using this as a pretext for their agenda. Throughout my history of protests, I have never called for a regime change. Governance is not a simple affair, and those pushing for these changes need to understand the constitutional limits,” he concluded.