Nigerian activist and African Action Congress (AAC) 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, fell during a Democracy Day protest in Abuja on Friday after security operatives allegedly fired teargas at demonstrators gathered near the Force Headquarters.
The protest was part of a nationwide action organised by a coalition of civic groups, labour activists, youth organisations and social movements, which declared June 12 a day of mass mobilisation to draw attention to worsening insecurity, economic hardship and declining living conditions across the country.
The coalition announced the protest in a statement jointly signed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Yinka Folarin, organiser of the #EndBadGovernance Movement, Hassan Soweto, and musician Falz.
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Tension reportedly rose during the Abuja demonstration when security operatives deployed teargas to disperse protesters.
Videos shared on social media showed Sowore lying on the ground as demonstrators rushed to assist him amid the confusion.
In footage posted on X by ChuksEricE, Sowore was seen surrounded by protesters who attempted to revive him by fanning him with placards.
As the situation unfolded, supporters helped Sowore into a vehicle while he tried to regain his composure. He was seen covering his nose with a red handkerchief as others continued fanning him.
Other videos from the protest showed demonstrators struggling to move as teargas spread through the area and security operatives continued efforts to disperse the crowd.
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