President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to be wary of those plotting to take advantage of prevailing challenges in the country to destroy its democracy.

“We must also be aware that there are those among us who will try to exploit current challenges to undermine, if not destroy, this democracy for which so much has already been given,” Mr Tinubu said in his Democracy Day live broadcast, commemorating Nigeria’s 25th democracy anniversary.

Mr Tinubu urged Nigerians to remind themselves that no matter how complicated democracy might be, it was the best form of governance in the long run.

He added that those scheming to damage Nigerian democracy were out to exploit and enslave citizens.

He said, “These people do this not to make things better but to subject other people and things to their control and dominance until the point that, if you are not counted among their elite, then your life will be small and no longer owned by you.’’

Mr Tinubu’s admonition comes as Nigerians hit the streets in protests over spiking food prices and economic hardship since he assumed office last year.

However, the State Security Service and Nigeria Police on Tuesday warned citizens against violent protests on Democracy Day.