- Akande: “Obidients Were Behind 2020 #EndSARS Protest”
- Peter Obi: “That Is A Lie, Don’t Rewrite History”
By Abiola Olawale
A two-term governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi and a former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, are currently locked in a heated exchange of words regarding the 2020 #EndSARS protest that swept through Nigeria.
Akande, who drew the first sword, declared that the nationwide movement, which called for an end to police brutality and sought broader reforms, was allegedly triggered by Obidients, a group loyal to Obi, which became prominent in the build-up to the 2023 general elections.
The former Osun governor who spoke in a recent podcast anchored by a popular broadcaster, Edmund Obilo, claimed that the #EndSARS protest was engineered by Obidients to stop Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
According to him, the movement was not known as Obidients at the time but was well funded with foreign donations.
Akande asserted: “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.”
However, Obi, who reacted through his media aide, Umar Ibrahim, tackled Akande, describing his claims as misleading, false and insensitive to the people who died during the protest.
Ibrahim, who spoke with the press, said the comments from Akande are an attempt to rewrite history and put issues very wrongly.
He replied: “The allegations are not only misleading but also divisive . Unfortunately,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.”
