NIGERIA: Obi, Atiku Demand Justice Six Years After Lekki Shooting

Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar have renewed calls for justice and accountability as Nigerians mark the sixth anniversary of the October 20, 2020, Lekki Toll Gate shooting during the #EndSARS protests.

Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party, described the incident as a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by Nigerian youths in their quest for a better country.

In a statement on Tuesday, he urged Nigerians not to forget the incident or accept injustice as normal, stressing that citizens deserved protection rather than brutality and that young people should be heard rather than silenced.

He reaffirmed his belief that a New Nigeria was possible, where government power would be exercised responsibly and no citizen would be punished for demanding good governance and a better future.

Similarly, Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, said Nigerians were still waiting for answers six years after the shooting, particularly regarding who ordered the military action against the protesters.

The former vice president criticised President Bola Tinubu’s response to the incident in 2020, recalling his comments questioning the presence and character of those who suffered casualties during the shooting.

Atiku said the unresolved questions had deepened public distrust, accusing the All Progressives Congress-led government of failing to deliver accountability and the economic opportunities Nigerian youths deserved.

He also linked the anniversary to the rising cost of living, citing petrol prices of ₦1,405 per litre and the increasing difficulty workers face in meeting transportation costs and other basic needs.

Atiku said his economic recovery plan would focus on making Nigeria more affordable through measures supporting locally refined fuel, boosting domestic production, protecting minimum wage earners, providing student support and reducing government waste.

Both politicians stressed the need for a country where citizens’ lives are protected, public officials are held accountable and young Nigerians can look forward to a better future.