The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged the Nigerian government to prioritise the protection of citizens, respect human rights and allow young people to express their concerns without intimidation.
Obi made the call on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, while reflecting on the sixth anniversary of the Lekki Toll Gate shootings, which occurred during the #EndSARS protests against police brutality in Nigeria.
The former Anambra State governor said the anniversary should serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by young Nigerians who took to the streets to demand reforms and a better country.
In a statement marking the occasion, Obi stressed that the country must not forget the events of October 20, 2020, or allow injustice to become an accepted part of society.
He described the incident as a painful chapter in Nigeria’s history, noting that it left lasting questions about accountability, justice and the protection of human life.
“On that fateful night, peaceful #EndSARS protesters were met with gunfire. Lives were lost, many were injured, and the nation was left with questions about justice, accountability, and the sanctity of human life,” he stated.
Obi insisted that remembering the victims must go beyond commemorative activities, arguing that the country must draw important lessons from the tragedy to prevent a recurrence.
“We must never forget. We must never normalise injustice,” the NDC presidential candidate declared.
He further expressed his vision of a country where public institutions serve the people responsibly and where citizens can demand better governance without fear of violence or persecution.
According to him, the protection of fundamental human rights must remain a priority for every government, regardless of the circumstances.
“As we remember the victims, I reaffirm my belief that a New Nigeria is possible—a country where citizens are protected, not brutalised; where young people are heard, not silenced; and where government power is exercised with responsibility and respect for human rights,” Obi said.
The politician also maintained that Nigerians should never face punishment for demanding accountability from their leaders or seeking improvements in their living conditions.
“Nigeria must become a nation where no citizen is punished for demanding good governance and a better future,” he added.
Offering prayers for those who lost their lives, Obi said their sacrifice should strengthen the country’s determination to build a society where human life is valued and the events of October 2020 are never repeated.
“May the souls of the departed continue to rest in peace. May their sacrifice strengthen our resolve to build a Nigeria where this tragedy will never be repeated,” he stated.
He concluded his message by reiterating his optimism about the country’s future, declaring, “A New Nigeria is possible. A Nigeria where every life matters.”
The #EndSARS movement emerged as a nationwide youth-led campaign against police brutality, extortion and alleged extrajudicial killings associated with the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force.
The protests gained momentum in October 2020, with demonstrators demanding the disbandment of the unit and broader reforms in policing.
The Lekki Toll Gate incident on October 20, 2020, became one of the most controversial episodes of the protests, drawing national and international attention and prompting sustained calls for accountability and justice.
