The Democratic Socialist Movement was founded in 1986 at a conference of labour and student socialist activists. Due to the ongoing military dictatorship the organisation only operated in a semi-open manner and was identified mainly by the name of its newspaper, Labour Militant (1987–1994) and Militant (1994–1998).[2] Following the death of junta leader Sani Abacha in June 1998 and the impending end of military rule, the DSM launched as an open organisation in July of that year.[2]
Campaigns
Members of the DSM have been subject to arrest as a result of campaigning.[3]
The DSM launched the Education Rights Campaign, mobilised for a national day of action on education and jobs on 19 June 2013.[4][5]
Members of the DSM protested at the South African High Commission in Lagos against the Marikana massacre in Lonmin, in which 34 miners were killed.[6]
Alliances
The DSM has argued since the 1980s for the formation of a mass working people's party and participated in the briefly lived Nigerian Labour Party in 1989. They argue that such a party should be wholly opposed to neo-liberalism and privatisation.[7]
National Conscience Party
In 1994, the DSM joined in the founding by Gani Fawehinmi of the National Conscience Party.[2] In the 2003 elections, the DSM stood as candidates for the NCP and achieved some of the party's highest votes.[2] Since then, Lagos State NCP has quit the National Conscience Party.[8]
Socialist Party of Nigeria
The DSM launched an initiative for the Socialist Party of Nigeria, which was inaugurated on 16 November 2013 in Lagos.[9]
