Rights Group Condemns Security Crackdown at Abuja Democracy Day Protest

Amnesty International has strongly condemned a security crackdown on peaceful demonstrators during a Democracy Day protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja. The incident resulted in the hospitalisation of activist and African Action Congress (AAC) 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

According to a statement released on Friday, Sowore collapsed after security operatives allegedly deployed teargas to disperse crowds gathered in front of the Force Headquarters. Video footage circulating online showed the activist on the ground surrounded by demonstrators attempting to provide assistance before he was transported to a local hospital.

The rights organisation characterized the event as a reckless attack and a deliberate targeting of activists. They asserted that the use of violence to suppress peaceful assembly and freedom of expression violates both constitutional provisions and international human rights obligations.

The Abuja demonstration was part of a broader nationwide mobilization organized by a coalition of civic groups, labor activists, and youth organizations. The mass action was called to protest rising insecurity, severe economic hardship, and deteriorating living conditions across the country.