The Solidarity Network for Workers’ Rights (SNWR) has hailed the discharge and acquittal of 11 protesters arrested during the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, describing the court ruling as a victory for democratic resistance and a rebuke to what it called politically motivated repression by the state.

Victory for Democratic Resistance

In a statement released on Saturday, the SNWR expressed its gratitude to all those who supported the activists during the trial, including labour activists, student movements, community organizers, and civil society allies, both within Nigeria and internationally. The organization particularly thanked the international socialist and human rights community for standing in solidarity.

The Federal High Court had acquitted Daniel Akande and 10 others on 10 December 2025, who were charged with treason and terrorism following their participation in protests against worsening economic conditions under the Tinubu administration.

A Clear Indictment of State Repression

SNWR described the court ruling as an indictment of the Nigerian government’s attempt to silence dissent. The group pointed out that the case was never about justice but was a deliberate effort to intimidate activists speaking out against issues such as corruption, hunger, unemployment, police brutality, insecurity, and rising living costs.

“The collapse of the case demonstrates the limits of state repression,” the group said. “Faced with rising anger across society, the state attempted to criminalize protest and resistance. Today, that attempt has collapsed before the Nigerian people and the world.”

A Political Victory for the Oppressed

SNWR referred to the acquittal as not just a legal victory but a broader political triumph for all oppressed communities. The statement urged greater unity among workers, students, youths, and rural communities to continue the fight for justice.

“This victory is a powerful reminder that when we fight, we can win,” the group said. “Our collective resistance has shown that tyranny cannot withstand the organized will of a conscious and determined people.”

The Struggle Is Far From Over

While celebrating the acquittal, SNWR stressed that the underlying causes of the protests remain unresolved. The group highlighted that hardship has deepened, with unbearable living costs, widespread hunger, rising unemployment, and persistent insecurity continuing to affect the lives of millions.

“Although this acquittal is a significant triumph, it is not the end of our struggle,” the statement read. “The ruling elite continue to consolidate their wealth at the expense of the majority, turning the nation’s resources into private property for a privileged few, while millions suffer.”

Call for Systemic Change

SNWR called for a complete break from the capitalist establishment that it accused of exploitation, inequality, corruption, and repression. The group reiterated its demand for a socialist alternative, arguing that Nigeria’s wealth should be publicly owned, democratically controlled, and managed in the interests of the working people.

The organization also emphasized that only socialist transformation can guarantee essential services like free and quality education, access to healthcare, affordable housing, job creation, food security, and genuine development.

Building a Mass Workers’ Party

In addition to demanding systemic change, SNWR called for the building of a mass workers’ party rooted in workplaces, communities, and campuses to challenge the current political order.

The statement concluded with a rallying cry: “The struggle continues. Victory is certain. And when we fight together, we can win.”