Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, reportedly collapsed during a Democracy Day protest in Abuja on Friday after security operatives dispersed demonstrators with teargas.
The protest, held near the Force Headquarters, was part of a nationwide mobilisation organised by a coalition of civic groups, labour activists, youth organisations and social movements to draw attention to concerns over insecurity, economic hardship and declining living conditions across the country.
The coalition’s call for action was announced in a joint statement endorsed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Yinka Folarin, #EndBadGovernance Movement organiser Hassan Soweto, and musician and activist Falz.
Tension reportedly escalated during the Abuja demonstration when security operatives moved to disperse the crowd with teargas.
Videos circulating online showed Sowore lying on the ground as protesters gathered around him and attempted to assist him by fanning him with placards.
In one of the videos shared on social media, voices in the crowd could be heard expressing alarm over the development and alleging that tear gas had been fired into the gathering.
Sowore was later helped into a vehicle while recovering. Footage showed him covering his nose with a red handkerchief as supporters continued to attend to him.
When asked during the drive whether he was feeling better, he reportedly responded briefly in the affirmative.
Additional videos from the scene showed protesters struggling to regroup as security operatives continued efforts to disperse the crowd.
As of the time of filing this report, Sowore’s condition had not been officially confirmed, while security agencies had yet to issue a statement on the incident.
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