Atiku calls on APC to answer questions over 2020 Lekki shooting and rising cost of living

Background In October 2020, security forces opened fire on demonstrators at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos, an event that became a focal point of the nationwide EndSARS protests. Six years later, the incident remains unresolved, with no definitive explanation of who authorised the shooting.

Atiku’s Critique The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, former vice‑president Atiku Abubakar, used his X account to condemn the All Progressives Congress (APC)‑led federal government for its failure to address the lingering questions surrounding the event. He criticised President Bola Tinubu’s early response, which he said focused on questioning the protesters rather than demanding accountability from those responsible for the violence.

Economic Impact Atiku also drew a link between the unresolved Lekki shooting and the current economic pressures on young Nigerians. He cited the recent rise in petrol prices to ₦1,405 per litre, arguing that the cost of fuel has eroded purchasing power and limited opportunities for employment, education and basic necessities.

Call for Accountability In his statement, Atiku urged the APC to confront the unanswered questions and to reassure citizens that their safety matters. He emphasised that a government that cannot provide clarity on a tragedy that has left families grieving is failing in a fundamental duty. The former vice‑president highlighted the growing distrust among young people who continue to demand justice.

Conclusion Atiku’s remarks come on the sixth anniversary of the Lekki tollgate shooting, a day that many Nigerians view as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability. His call for answers and a clearer economic strategy reflects broader concerns about governance and the well-being of the country’s younger generation.