Akande’s Allegations on #EndSARS: Peter Obi’s Stand on the Organic Protest
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has refuted claims made by former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande, who alleged that Obi’s supporters, known as the Obidient Movement, orchestrated the 2020 #EndSARS protests to impede President Bola Tinubu’s political ambitions. Obi described Akande’s assertions as divisive and an attempt to rewrite history, emphasizing that the #EndSARS movement was an organic, youth-led protest against police brutality and a call for good governance.
The #EndSARS protests, which took place between October 7 and 20, 2020, began with demands to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) due to widespread allegations of abuse and extrajudicial killings. The movement quickly evolved into broader calls for systemic reforms in Nigeria.
Obi and the Obidient Movement have expressed that Akande’s narrative is not only a distortion of facts but also insensitive to the memory of those who lost their lives during the protests. They urge against making unsubstantiated claims that could further polarize society.
In a recent podcast hosted by broadcaster Edmund Obilo, Akande alleged that the #EndSARS protests were orchestrated by Obidients and funded with foreign donations to thwart Tinubu’s presidential bid.
Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, responded by labeling Akande’s comments as misleading and insensitive, emphasizing that the #EndSARS movement was a spontaneous uprising by Nigerian youths demanding justice and accountability.