Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has criticized former Osun State governor Bisi Akande for claiming that Obi’s supporters (known as Obidients) orchestrated the 2020 #EndSARS protest to derail President Bola Tinubu’s ambition.
Obi and the Obidient Movement called Akande’s narrative an attempt to rewrite history, saying it disrespected the memory of #EndSARS victims, particularly those who died.
The nationwide #EndSARS protest ran from October 7 to 20, initially demanding the disbandment of the notorious police wing called Special Anti-Robbery Squad before evolving into calls for good governance.
Protesters and security agents clashed, particularly in Lagos State, where soldiers allegedly shot at defenceless protesters at the Lekki Tollgate.
In a recent podcast with broadcaster Edmund Obilo, Akande claimed Obidients organized the #EndSARS protest to block Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
He claimed foreign donations funded the movement.
“The Obidients were behind the #EndSARS. It was manufactured in America and brought in just to stop him (Tinubu). I said the Obidients, I didn’t say Obi.
“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,” the octogenarian asserted.
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Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, challenged Akande’s claims on Thursday, calling them misleading and insensitive to those who died during the protest.
He said, “The allegations are not only misleading but also divisive. It is unfortunate Akande would suggest that the Obidient Movement was behind the #EndSARS protests, and even more astonishing that he would imply it was orchestrated to prevent a particular individual from becoming President.
“Well, let me be clear: the movement is a grassroots phenomenon that emerged organically, driven by the passion and dedication of Nigerians who are committed to creating a better future for our country. It’s a movement that transcends partisan politics and is focused on promoting good governance, accountability, and inclusive development.
“The #EndSARS protests, on the other hand, were a spontaneous response to the widespread discontent and frustration among Nigerian youth regarding issues of police brutality, corruption, and economic inequality. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of our young people, who are demanding a more just and equitable society.
“To conflate these two distinct phenomena is not only inaccurate but also unfair to the millions of Nigerians who are genuinely committed to creating positive change. We urge former governor Akande to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims that can only serve to further polarise our society.”
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Tanko Yunusa, called Akande’s narrative an insult to all #EndSARS victims’ memory, especially those who died.
He said, “The Obidient movement outright rejects the baseless and revisionist claim by former Governor Bisi Akande. His false narrative is not only an insult to the memory of the young Nigerians who lost their lives in the fight against police brutality but also a desperate attempt to rewrite history and shift blame for the government’s failures.
“#EndSARS was a decentralised, youth-led movement demanding an end to police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and systemic oppression in Nigeria. It was not about politics, nor was it about any single individual’s presidential ambition.
“Rather than engaging in revisionist propaganda, we urge Akande and his associates to focus on addressing the real issues facing Nigerians today — economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and bad governance. The people are suffering, and no amount of misinformation or historical distortion will change that reality.”
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