Sowore Labels Tinubu ‘Boko Haram,’ Leads Protest to Demand Rescue of Abducted School children

Human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore led a mass protest in Abuja on Thursday, demanding the immediate rescue of schoolchildren abducted across Nigeria. He also launched a blistering attack on President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of worsening insecurity.

Sowore, who heads the #RevolutionNow movement, addressed hundreds of demonstrators, describing the protest as a “rehearsal” for a possible revolutionary push against poor governance. He argued that Nigeria has deteriorated into the worst state among its neighbours and that citizens can no longer remain silent.

“Tinubu is Boko Haram,” Sowore declared. “We are here because the situation in Nigeria is the worst of all the countries surrounding us today. This is a rehearsal for what might become the final push for a revolution in this country.”

He demanded that the president secure the immediate release of children kidnapped from schools nationwide, stating that Tinubu had failed in his constitutional duty to protect citizens. Sowore also alleged that Tinubu “stole” the 2023 presidency and vowed that protesters would never allow him to return.

During the rally, Sowore led chants asking the crowd if they wanted Tinubu to remain in power, to which the crowd responded with a chorus of “No!”

Sowore said the Abuja demonstration was part of a nationwide mobilisation. He claimed protesters had initially planned to march to the Presidential Villa but were blocked by heavy security, including soldiers. He maintained that the protest remained peaceful, adding that the group chose to avoid confrontation despite the security deployment.

“When the masses take over the streets, all oppressors shall run away,” he said.

The protest comes amid growing outrage over rising cases of school kidnappings and attacks on rural communities, with families of victims continuing to demand urgent government action.