Activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, reportedly collapsed on Friday during a Democracy Day protest in Abuja after security operatives allegedly dispersed demonstrators with teargas near the Force Headquarters.
The incident occurred during a nationwide protest organised by a coalition of civil society groups, labour activists, youth organisations and social movements. The groups had chosen June 12 to draw attention to rising insecurity, worsening economic conditions and the increasing hardship faced by many Nigerians.
The protest in the Federal Capital Territory began peacefully before the situation turned tense when security personnel moved to disperse the crowd. Videos shared on social media showed confusion among protesters as teargas filled parts of the protest area.
Amid the disruption, Sowore was seen lying on the ground while fellow protesters gathered around him. Some attempted to assist him by fanning him with placards as others tried to help him regain strength.
Witnesses at the scene said the teargas created panic, forcing many demonstrators to run for safety. The crowd struggled to move in an orderly manner as the situation became more chaotic.
Footage circulating online showed protesters working together to move Sowore away from the area. He was later helped into a vehicle as supporters continued attending to him. In the videos, he appeared to cover his nose with a handkerchief while those around him tried to make him comfortable.
As the vehicle left the scene, additional reports indicated that security operatives continued efforts to disperse the gathering. Protesters were seen moving in different directions while some attempted to regroup.
The demonstration was part of a broader action announced by several civic organisations and public figures who had called for nationwide protests over concerns about security challenges, the cost of living and economic difficulties affecting citizens across the country.
The coalition behind the protest had earlier urged Nigerians to participate peacefully and use Democracy Day to demand better living conditions and improved governance.
At the time the incident occurred, no official statement had been released by security agencies regarding the reported use of teargas or the circumstances surrounding the protest.
Likewise, there was no immediate official update on Sowore’s health condition following the incident. However, videos recorded after he was moved into a vehicle suggested that he had regained some stability while being taken away from the protest location.
The event has since attracted attention online, with many Nigerians reacting to the videos and discussing the conduct of the protest as well as the response by security personnel.
The Democracy Day demonstrations took place in different parts of the country, with participants raising concerns over insecurity, inflation, unemployment and the general cost of living. The Abuja protest became one of the most talked-about events after footage of Sowore’s collapse surfaced on social media.