Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed claims by Bisi Akande, a former governor of Osun State, regarding the 2020 #EndSARS protests. Akande alleged that the protests were planned by Obi’s supporters, known as the Obidient Movement, to stop Bola Tinubu’s presidential ambition.

Speaking on a podcast recently, Akande claimed that the #EndSARS movement was not a natural protest but a well-planned political strategy. According to him, the movement was backed by foreign funding and was designed to weaken Tinubu’s chances of becoming Nigeria’s president.

Reacting to Akande’s statement, Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, described the claim as an attempt to rewrite history. He argued that the #EndSARS protests were genuine and organic, driven by young Nigerians who were fed up with police brutality.

Ibrahim also pointed out that Akande’s remarks were insensitive to the memories of those who lost their lives during the protests. He urged political leaders to avoid spreading false narratives that could divide Nigerians further.

Obi’s team stressed that the #EndSARS movement was never about politics. It was a call for justice and police reform in Nigeria. They maintained that labelling the movement as a political plot only disrespects the efforts of those who fought for a better country.

“The Obidients were behind the #EndSARS. It was manufactured in America and brought in just to stop him (Tinubu). I said the Obidients, I didn’t say Obi. They came from America to do the #EndSARS and later became a movement to form a party. They couldn’t form a party. It was well planned and organised with a lot of money from America,” Akande alleged

While political debates will continue, Obi’s camp insists that the truth about #EndSARS should not be distorted for political reasons.

“The allegations are not only misleading but also divisive. It is unfortunate Akande would suggest that the Obidient Movement was behind the #EndSARS protests, and even more astonishing that he would imply it was orchestrated to prevent a particular individual from becoming President.

Well, let me be clear: the movement is a grassroots phenomenon that emerged organically, driven by the passion and dedication of Nigerians who are committed to creating a better future for our country. It’s a movement that transcends partisan politics and is focused on promoting good governance, accountability, and inclusive development.

The #EndSARS protests, on the other hand, were a spontaneous response to the widespread discontent and frustration among Nigerian youth regarding issues of police brutality, corruption, and economic inequality. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of our young people, who are demanding a more just and equitable society.

To conflate these two distinct phenomena is not only inaccurate but also unfair to the millions of Nigerians who are genuinely committed to creating positive change. We urge former governor Akande to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims that can only serve to further polarise our society.” Umar said