Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of orchestrating what he described as a “civilian coup” against Nigeria’s democracy.

“We don’t want a coup in Nigeria. I’m totally against it. But can you say today that the Tinubu regime has not waged a coup against the constitution of our country?” he said while speaking on a Channels Television programme on Friday.

Mr Effiong alleged that the Tinubu-led administration has systematically undermined democratic institutions, silenced dissenting voices, and eroded the rule of law.

“Can you tell me there is no coup against democracy in this country? Because the moment you begin to say people cannot protest in the Villa or at the Eagle Square, do you want Nigerians in Abuja to go to the Sambisa Forest to protest?” Mr Effiong queried.

He lamented that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government had “weaponised state institutions” against perceived opponents while shrinking the civic space through intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and censorship.

The activist lawyer condemned what he described as the regime’s “high-handed tactics” toward opposition voices, saying recent crackdowns on protesters and the detention of activists reflect a growing trend of authoritarianism under the APC government.

“This is a clear indication that this government has no respect for the rule of law. Go to the White House — you’ll see millions of Americans protesting. You can find millions of UK residents protesting in front of the Prime Minister’s residence. What’s sacred about the Villa or the National Assembly that people cannot protest there?” he said.

Mr Effiong further recalled that the APC and Mr Tinubu himself once benefited from public protests, accusing the government of hypocrisy for now “criminalising” civic action.

“This Tinubu presidency took part in protests. The APC came to power based on protests. Today, they are criminalising protests and stigmatising those carrying placards, while the same state is romancing bandits holding AK-47 rifles and granting them amnesty.

“This is not how to build a democracy. You cannot claim to defend democracy and at the same time attack Nigerians’ legitimate right to protest. Let this government be serious and stop weaponising the legal system. Enough is enough — Nigerians must be respected,” he declared.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, was not immediately available for comment when contacted. Mr Onanuga neither picked nor replied to text messages as of the time of filing this report.