ADC Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government to provide answers over the 2020 Lekki tollgate shooting, saying six years later many Nigerians, especially young people, are still waiting for justice.
In a post shared on his X account on Tuesday to mark the sixth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests, Atiku said the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government still owed Nigerians the truth about what happened at the Lekki tollgate.
He said, “Six years after the Lekki shooting, Nigeria is still waiting for a clear answer to one devastating question: Who gave the order?”
Atiku also criticised President Bola Tinubu over remarks he allegedly made after the incident, claiming that instead of showing sympathy, he questioned those who were at the protest.
According to Atiku, “At a moment when Nigerians were demanding accountability for the violence against peaceful protesters, his response appeared more concerned with questioning the victims than demanding answers from those responsible.”
The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate said the pain from the incident had not disappeared, adding that many families were still seeking justice while young Nigerians had lost trust in government.
He argued that the country’s current economic hardship had worsened the situation, saying the rising cost of living was making life more difficult for young people and workers.
Atiku wrote, “Petrol at ₦1,405 a litre means more than an expensive journey. It means less money for food, school, rent and work.”
He also shared the story of a young woman who reportedly resigned from her job because her salary could no longer cover transportation costs, quoting her as saying, “The pay no longer covers transport. Everything in Nigeria just dey increase in price. Feels like I’m working for Bolt guys.”
The former vice president said his proposed Economic Recovery Plan would focus on making life more affordable by supporting locally refined fuel, encouraging local production, protecting minimum wage earners and students, and reducing government waste instead of introducing new taxes.
He concluded by saying, “Young Nigerians deserve the truth about Lekki. They deserve a government that protects life, and an economy that gives work a chance to lead somewhere.”
Background
The #EndSARS protests erupted across Nigeria in October 2020 as young people demanded an end to police brutality and wider reforms.
The Lekki tollgate shooting on October 20, 2020, remains one of the most controversial events in Nigeria’s recent history, with continued debate over what happened and repeated calls from rights groups, victims’ families and opposition leaders for greater accountability. Atiku’s latest comments come as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum.
