The Russian government, through its embassy in Nigeria, has stated that Nigerians have the right to protest but reiterated that Moscow has no interest in meddling with governance in the West African nation.

This statement follows the appearance of #EndBadGovernance protesters displaying the Russian flag during demonstrations.

“The Embassy has noted reports in the Nigerian media and the circulation of videos and images in digital media depicting protesters in northern states carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans to Russian President Vladimir Putin,” the Russian Embassy in Nigeria said in a statement on Monday.

“The Government of the Russian Federation, as well as any Russian officials, are not involved in these activities and do not coordinate them in any way,” the Embassy added.

Numerous viral videos on social media show hundreds of protesters in many northern states flying Russian flags while shouting pro-Kremlin slogans during the processions.

The events have sparked widespread debate among Nigerians on social media, with some expressing concern about the continuous presence of Russian symbols among protesters. These concerns are fueled by allegations of Kremlin political interference in several West African countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

Some of these countries share borders with northern Nigerian states and have recently fallen into the hands of military junta regimes, which have forged strong alliances with Moscow in recent years.

“As always, we emphasise that Russia does not interfere in the domestic affairs of foreign states, including Nigeria. The intentions of some protesters to wave Russian flags are personal choices and do not reflect any official position or policy of the Russian government,” the Russian government noted.

“We respect Nigerian democracy and believe that peaceful demonstrations in conformity with Nigerian law are a manifestation of democracy. However, should these events lead to any disruptions or acts of violence, we strictly condemn them.”