Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, made the remarks on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, as Nigerians marked six years since the protests against police brutality and the events at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos.
In a statement commemorating the anniversary, the former vice-president said Nigerians were still waiting for clear answers about the circumstances surrounding the shooting, particularly who gave the order that led to the deployment of force against protesters.
“Six years after the Lekki shooting, Nigeria is still waiting for a clear answer to one devastating question: Who gave the order?” Atiku asked.
He accused the APC-led government of failing to resolve lingering questions surrounding the incident, arguing that the passage of six years had not erased the grief of affected families or the frustration of young Nigerians who participated in the protests.
Atiku also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s response to the incident in October 2020, saying his remarks at the time appeared to question protesters who suffered casualties rather than focus on the need for accountability.
According to Atiku, the absence of satisfactory answers has contributed to public distrust and reinforced concerns about the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.
He maintained that the government had a responsibility to address the unresolved questions and demonstrate that the lives of Nigerians mattered, regardless of their age, background or political views.
“The APC has governed Nigeria through these six years. It cannot keep asking Nigerians to remember the dead while refusing to confront the unanswered questions,” he said.
Atiku further argued that the continued uncertainty surrounding the incident had deepened the sense of disappointment among young Nigerians, many of whom had taken to the streets to demand dignity, police reform and better governance.
Beyond the Lekki shooting, the former vice-president linked the anniversary to the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians, particularly young people struggling with rising transportation costs, food prices, housing expenses and limited employment opportunities.
He cited the rising price of petrol, which he put at ₦1,405 per litre, as an example of the pressure facing households and workers attempting to meet their daily needs.
To illustrate the situation, Atiku recounted the experience of a young woman who reportedly resigned from her job because her salary could no longer cover her transportation expenses.
Quoting the woman, he said: “The pay no longer covers transport. Everything in Nigeria just dey increase in price. Feels like I’m working for Bolt guys.”
Atiku described the account as an illustration of the growing difficulty some Nigerians face in sustaining employment when the cost of commuting consumes a significant portion of their earnings.
He argued that the situation reflected a broader economic challenge in which having a job no longer necessarily guarantees financial stability or the ability to meet basic needs.
The ADC presidential candidate also criticised the Federal Government’s economic policies, arguing that the promise of national renewal had not translated into sufficient relief for many households.
He said his proposed Economic Recovery Plan was designed to make Nigeria more affordable through measures intended to lower production costs, stimulate local industries and protect vulnerable groups.
Among the proposals he outlined were support linked to petroleum products refined locally, increased domestic production to create jobs, protection for minimum-wage earners, student support and reductions in government waste.
Atiku maintained that economic recovery should be measured by improvements in the daily lives of citizens, including their ability to afford transportation, food, education and housing.
He also called for greater attention to the challenges facing young Nigerians, arguing that the country must provide an environment in which employment offers a realistic pathway to financial security and personal development.
The former vice-president said the unresolved questions surrounding the Lekki shooting and the economic hardship facing citizens were connected by a broader demand for responsible leadership and accountability.
He insisted that young Nigerians deserved both answers about the events of October 2020 and economic policies capable of improving their living conditions.
The #EndSARS protests began as a nationwide movement against alleged police brutality and misconduct, particularly the activities of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad. The demonstrations developed into a wider call for police reform, accountability and improved governance.
The events at the Lekki Tollgate on October 20, 2020, became one of the most controversial episodes of the protests, generating national outrage and international scrutiny. Questions about the circumstances surrounding the shooting and accountability for the incident have continued to feature in public debate.
As the sixth anniversary is commemorated, Atiku’s remarks have brought renewed attention to the demands for justice, transparent investigations and reforms in law enforcement, alongside concerns about the economic pressures confronting Nigerian households.
He concluded that Nigerians were entitled to question the government over both the unresolved issues surrounding the Lekki shooting and the limited economic opportunities available to many young people.
For Atiku, the anniversary represents not only an occasion to remember the events of 2020 but also an opportunity to assess the country’s progress in protecting citizens, strengthening public accountability and creating an economy in which hard work can lead to a better standard of living.
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