African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Federal Government over unresolved questions surrounding the October 20, 2020, Lekki shooting and the rising cost of living in Nigeria.
In a post on his X account on Tuesday, Atiku said Nigerians were still waiting for accountability over the shooting of #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos, six years after the incident.
“Six years after the Lekki shooting, Nigeria is still waiting for a clear answer to one devastating question: Who gave the order?” the former vice-president asked.
He also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s response to the incident in October 2020, arguing that the focus had been on questioning the protesters’ presence and conduct rather than establishing accountability for the casualties.
Atiku said the unresolved questions had deepened public anger and distrust, particularly among young Nigerians who had demanded justice. He argued that the APC-led government, which has been in power throughout the six-year period, must address the outstanding concerns.
The ADC candidate also linked the lingering controversy to the country’s economic challenges, citing rising petrol prices, declining purchasing power and limited employment opportunities. He said petrol selling at ₦1,405 per litre had made it increasingly difficult for Nigerians to afford transportation, food, education and housing.
To illustrate the pressure on workers, Atiku recounted the experience of a young woman who reportedly resigned because her salary could no longer cover her transportation expenses.
“The pay no longer covers transport. Everything in Nigeria just dey increase in price. Feels like I’m working for Bolt guys,” he quoted the woman as saying.
Atiku described the account as an indication of the financial strain facing workers, arguing that some Nigerians could no longer afford the costs associated with keeping their jobs.
He said his proposed Economic Recovery Plan would address the challenges through support linked to domestically refined fuel, increased local production, protection for minimum-wage earners, student assistance and reductions in government waste.
Atiku maintained that young Nigerians deserved answers about the Lekki shooting and economic conditions that would allow employment to provide a decent standard of living. He also called on the government to address concerns about accountability, the rising cost of living and limited opportunities for young people.
