Lekki Shooting: Tinubu’s Aide Challenges Atiku Over Call for Accountability
President Bola Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his renewed demand for accountability for the October 2020 Lekki Toll Gate shooting.
Olusegun questioned why Atiku did not raise the issue during his visits to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was in office when the incident occurred.
The presidential aide made the remarks in response to Atiku’s statement marking the sixth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests, which began in October 2020.
According to Olusegun, Atiku visited Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, on June 22, 2024, and at his retirement residence in Kaduna on April 11, 2025. He argued that those visits offered the former vice president opportunities to seek answers from the former president.
Atiku Renews Demand for Answers
Atiku had called for renewed efforts to establish who authorised the use of force during the Lekki Toll Gate incident.
In a post on his X account, the former vice president questioned why Nigerians were still waiting for a definitive answer about responsibility for the shooting six years later.
He also criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that the ruling party had failed to provide satisfactory answers about the incident or adequately address the concerns of young Nigerians.
Atiku further recalled Tinubu’s public comments following the October 2020 events, questioning the president’s response to the protesters and the reported casualties.
The #EndSARS protests were driven by young Nigerians demanding an end to police brutality and the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Tinubu’s Aide Accuses Atiku of Political Motives
Responding to Atiku, Olusegun accused the former vice president of using the anniversary to advance his presidential ambition.
He argued that Atiku’s decision to raise the questions years after the incident suggested political motives. However, this was Olusegun’s assessment and not an independently established fact.
Also Read: EFCC Petitioned Over Alleged $2.1m Wike’s Son Land Deal
The presidential aide also defended Tinubu’s experience during the unrest, claiming that the president’s residence on Bourdillon Road in Lagos was nearly set ablaze during the protests. He said Tinubu and his domestic staff had to leave for safety.
Olusegun further challenged Atiku’s use of the term “Lekki Massacre”, arguing that the description had not been conclusively established through legal proceedings.
He accused the former vice president of using the tragedy to criticise the current administration and draw attention to his own political plans.
Lekki Toll Gate Shooting Remains Controversial
The Lekki Toll Gate shooting remains a subject of public debate, particularly over the events of the night, the casualties and the question of accountability.
The incident occurred during the 2020 #EndSARS demonstrations against police brutality. Calls for transparency and answers from the authorities have continued to feature in public discussions about the protests.
While Atiku has renewed his demand for accountability, Tinubu’s aide has questioned the timing and political context of his intervention.
The exchange reflects the continuing political disagreement over the legacy of #EndSARS and the responsibilities of government officials in addressing questions surrounding the incident.
