Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has condemned statements made by former Osun State governor, Bisi Akande, alleging that the 2020 #EndSARS protests were a political plot orchestrated by his supporters to thwart President Bola Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
In a fiery rebuttal, Obi accused Akande of distorting the truth surrounding the nationwide protests that sought to end police brutality in Nigeria. The Labour Party candidate’s comments came in response to Akande’s claims during a recent interview with broadcaster Edmund Obilo, in which the former governor alleged that the #EndSARS protests were a foreign-funded movement with the goal of derailing Tinubu’s political ascent.
“It is an insult to the victims of #EndSARS, especially those who lost their lives, to make such baseless claims,” Obi said in a statement on social media. “We will not stand by and allow anyone to rewrite the history of what was a peaceful movement for justice and human rights.”
#EndSARS Protest: A Call for Justice
The #EndSARS protests erupted in October 2020 in response to the actions of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigerian Police Force accused of widespread human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and extortion. What began as a social media campaign quickly escalated into a nationwide movement, with protests organized in cities across Nigeria, demanding an end to the unit’s operations and broader police reform.
The protests intensified as demonstrators began calling for more fundamental changes to Nigeria’s governance, with a focus on accountability and improved living conditions. The most violent clash occurred in Lagos State, where soldiers allegedly opened fire on unarmed protesters at the Lekki Tollgate, an event that has since become emblematic of the brutality faced by Nigerians at the hands of security forces.
Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, tensions between demonstrators and law enforcement led to violent confrontations that claimed many lives, with dozens reported dead or injured in the aftermath. The Lekki Tollgate shooting remains one of the most controversial and tragic moments of the protests, with witnesses and families of the victims calling for justice.
Akande’s Allegations: A Political Narrative?
In his interview, Akande asserted that the protests were not a genuine expression of public discontent but rather a political maneuver orchestrated by those who opposed Tinubu’s presidential ambitions. He went further to suggest that foreign actors funded the protests, claiming that Obidients—the supporters of Peter Obi—were behind the movement.
“The Obidients were behind the #EndSARS. It was manufactured in America and brought in just to stop him (Tinubu),” Akande said. “They came from America to do the #EndSARS and later became a movement to form a party. They couldn’t form a party. It was well planned and organised with a lot of money from America.”
Akande’s comments have sparked widespread controversy, with many accusing the former governor of attempting to politicize the #EndSARS movement and undermine its genuine call for justice. Obi’s supporters, known as Obidients, have strongly rejected the allegations, calling them a deliberate attempt to divert attention from the legitimate grievances that led to the protests.
Obi’s Response: “Historical Distortion”
Obi, who has remained a vocal advocate for justice in the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests, wasted no time in responding to Akande’s remarks, accusing the former governor of “rewriting history” to fit a political narrative. Obi emphasized that the #EndSARS movement was rooted in the desire for accountability and an end to police brutality, not in a political agenda to influence presidential elections.
“It is a sad day when individuals who should know better use their positions to distort the truth,” Obi stated. “The #EndSARS protests were about young Nigerians demanding better treatment, safety, and respect for their rights. To suggest that the movement was a plot to undermine anyone’s political aspirations is not only false but disrespectful to the memory of those who lost their lives.”
The Labour Party presidential candidate further pointed out that Akande’s remarks were especially harmful given the ongoing quest for justice for #EndSARS victims. “How can anyone forget the families of the victims and the countless others who suffered at the hands of the police?” Obi asked. “Their calls for justice have not been answered, and now we see attempts to use them for political gain.”
Reactions to Akande’s Allegations
The political fallout from Akande’s allegations has been swift. Many Nigerians, especially those who participated in the #EndSARS protests, have voiced their displeasure with his remarks. Social media platforms have erupted with criticism, with many users accusing Akande of undermining the very people who risked their lives to stand up against injustice.
“This is not the time to politicize the #EndSARS movement,” said a statement from the Feminist Coalition, a group that was active during the protests. “The world witnessed the brutal treatment of young Nigerians who simply asked for a better future. Akande’s claims only serve to dishonor their courage and sacrifice.”
Similarly, political commentators have questioned the timing and intent behind Akande’s comments, suggesting that they may be part of a broader strategy to discredit opposition figures and delegitimize the causes that challenge the status quo.
“Akande’s words are not just an attack on Peter Obi; they are an insult to the entire #EndSARS movement,” said political analyst Kola Afolabi. “The protest was a cry for help from the Nigerian people, and for someone like Akande to suggest otherwise is not only politically charged but historically irresponsible.”
