Sowore falls during Abuja protest as security operatives fire teargas

Activist and African Action Congress 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, reportedly fell on Friday during a Democracy Day protest in Abuja after security operatives allegedly fired teargas at demonstrators in front of the Force Headquarters.

The protest formed part of a nationwide mobilisation declared by a coalition of civic groups, labour activists, youth organisations and social movements, which designated June 12 as a day of mass action over worsening insecurity, rising economic hardship and deteriorating living conditions in the country.

The coalition’s declaration was contained in a statement jointly signed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), Committee for the Defence of Human Rights President, Yinka Folarin, #EndBadGovernance Movement organiser, Hassan Soweto, and Falz.

The demonstration in Abuja reportedly turned chaotic after teargas was deployed to disperse protesters, with videos shared online showing Sowore on the ground amid confusion as others attempted to assist him.

According to footage circulated by ChuksEricE on X, Sowore was seen lying on the ground surrounded by protesters who tried to revive him by fanning him with placards.

“Them don start. Police are already shooting. Sowore don faint ohh. Nigeria police,” some protesters were heard shouting during the commotion.

As the situation escalated, Sowore was eventually helped into a vehicle while attempting to recover, covering his nose with a red handkerchief as others fanned him.

A woman was heard saying, “They are still shooting more tear gas.”

Some time after they had entered the vehicle and begun driving off, the presidential candidate was asked if he was stable, to which he responded, “Yeah.”

Eyewitness videos also showed protesters struggling to move amid heavy disorganisation as security operatives continued dispersing the crowd with teargas.

The condition of Sowore at the time of filing this report remains unknown, with no official statement yet from security agencies on the incident.