Sowore Slumps As Police Fire Teargas At June 12 Protesters In Abuja

The 2027 presidential candidate of African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, reportedly collapsed on Friday after police fired tear gas at protesters during a Democracy Day demonstration in Abuja, triggering panic among participants and bystanders.

The protest, organised to draw attention to worsening insecurity, economic hardship and what demonstrators described as poor governance, began at the Berger Bus Stop and moved towards the Federal Secretariat, where participants intended to submit their demands to government authorities.

Trouble started when security personnel stationed around Eagle Square attempted to disperse the crowd as it approached the area. Witnesses said armed police officers fired tear gas canisters at close range, forcing protesters to scatter for safety.

Sowore, who led the demonstration, was among those affected by the tear gas. According to eyewitness accounts, he inhaled a significant amount of the fumes and subsequently experienced breathing difficulties. Fellow protesters quickly rushed to his aid and moved him away from the scene for medical attention.

The situation reportedly worsened when another round of tear gas was discharged while Sowore was receiving assistance, creating further confusion and panic among protesters, commuters and residents in the vicinity.

Amid concerns over his condition, Sowore was later taken to an undisclosed hospital for further examination and treatment.

Despite the disruption, protesters regrouped after the incident and continued their march, insisting that they would not be intimidated or discouraged from expressing their grievances.

The demonstrators called on the government to take urgent steps to address rising insecurity across the country, secure the release of abducted schoolchildren and improve the welfare of Nigerians facing economic difficulties.

Addressing journalists during the protest, Sowore maintained that citizens must continue to demand accountability from those in authority.

According to him, Nigerians must be liberated from what he described as the shackles of oppression and misrule, stressing that Democracy Day should serve as a reminder of the country's struggle for freedom, justice and good governance.

As of the time of filing this report, the police had not issued an official statement on the incident or the reported collapse of the human rights activist.