The Federal Government of Nigeria has responded to calls for a regime change by advising citizens to wait until the 2027 presidential election to cast their votes.

This directive was issued by the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, during a press briefing following the inaugural Council of State meeting held under President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, August 13.

Addressing the State House correspondents, Alake remarked that the recent anti-hunger protests, which took place across the country, were not mere demonstrations but an organized attempt by certain individuals to forcefully change the government. He noted that these efforts were successfully resisted, and the Council of State expressed its gratitude to Nigerians for upholding constitutional order.

“Matters of state were discussed robustly, and the National Security Adviser briefed the Council on the security situation, particularly concerning the events surrounding the recent protests. I do not call it a protest; I call it a movement to effect a change of regime by force, which was also resisted. The council thanked Nigerians at large for resisting an unconstitutional move to change the government,” Alake stated.

He further reiterated that any dissatisfaction with the current administration should be addressed through democratic means, specifically through voting in elections. Alake reassured the public that the country’s security agencies are fully prepared to protect Nigeria’s democracy and prevent any unconstitutional attempts to overthrow the government.

The Minister also emphasized that any change in government must be achieved through the ballot box and not through force, insurrection, or other illegal means. He assured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and democratic processes.