Two years after Samuel Ashola was shot in the leg during a peaceful protest in Nigeria’s econ youomic capital Lagos, the unemployed artist boils with anger as he prepares to vote.

“My blood is hot,” said the 30-year-old, before campaigning for the 2023 general elections starts later in September.

“I’m from the ghetto, the slum, the gutter… and I can tell you, Nigerians are really mad. The way our government is running things, with all that happened… I want to vent it out.”

Many young Nigerians behind the largest protests in the country’s modern history were traumatised by shootings in Lagos State on October 20, 2020, when security forces violently dispersed a crowd demanding better governance.

Mass protests, which rallied to the hashtag #EndSARS – referring to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad that was eventually disbanded over reports of extortion and brutality – ground to a halt after that fateful night.

Amnesty International said at least 10 people were killed by the security forces, a claim the government has repeatedly denied. A Lagos investigative panel described the incident as a “massacre”.

For those who were there and many others watching online, it was a moment of political awakening that could impact the outcome of next year’s vote.

“We stopped fighting because we knew we had a chance to change the people at the top in 2023,” said 27-year-old Esther Jonathan. “We’ve been waiting for this.”

Since 2020, the economy has deteriorated, insecurity has spread and public universities have been shut for eight months due to strikes, spurring on those who want change.

– ‘Momentum’ –

Vying to replace President Muhammadu Buhari, who is to step down after his two constitutional terms, are Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party and Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress party.

But outsiders Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party and the popular Peter Obi of the Labour Party could benefit from an emerging protest vote.

Voter turnout is generally low in Nigeria — 33 percent in the last election — and young people are not known for being the most politically active.

But “there has been a positive progression from 2015 until now” in interest in politics, said Udo Jude Ilo, analyst and consultant with Thoughts and Mace Advisory.

Last month, the electoral commission said around 70 percent of newly registered voters were aged 18 to 34.

“(The) 2023 election is not going to be like every other election,” said Akinwunmi Ibrahim Adebanjo, 26. “This time we will be coming outside… to get the country back from the hands of political thieves.”

Odunayo Eweniyi, a 28-year-old founding member of the Feminist Coalition, a key group behind the movement, believes the 2020 protests inspired people who had not directly supported them.

“Whether you were pro or against, the truth is, a change was made, voices were heard,” she said. “And now because we realise it is possible — wherever you are in Nigeria — to have your voice heard, people are building on that momentum.”

The protests were also a turning point for the political elite, according to Hamzat Lawal, a 35-year-old activist who recently announced he intends to run for office.

The government “could have created an enabling environment for dialogue,” he said, but instead resorted to force because “they were scared.

“They never saw young people this organised… mobilising resources, coordinating themselves, speaking in one voice.”

– Challenges –

Five out of seven protesters AFP interviewed in Lagos and the political capital Abuja said they would vote for Obi. At 61, his age is one of his attractions, since Abubakar and Ahmed are both over 70.

“Right from independence we’ve been ruled by one old person to another,” said 27-year-old Anita Izato. “I think it’s time to see if a younger person could do better.”

While Obi used to be a member of the PDP, he is now running with the much lesser known Labour Party and has managed to position himself as anti-establishment.

Lazyreporta:
All these just makes it look like the endsarz was an agenda.

How did obi inherit the endsarz? Not even Sowore?
I just dey think aloud

conductor250:

So? Oga shift.

Lazyreporta:
All these just makes it look like the endsarz was an agenda.

How did obi inherit the endsarz? Not even Sowore?
I just dey think aloud

floret23:
No wonder your monicker is 'lazy reporter.'

Go to the street, ask five people who surpported Endsars, four of them would declare for Peter Obi. The remaining one would either go for Sowore or Atiku. You can experiment this today and come and give us feedback.

As for me, I surpported Endsars, I endorse Peter Obi. I say No to Tribalism.

Lazyreporta:


This one no Sabi read again but she Sha wan famz.

Aunty or brother, I said the same thing, just that I asked why? You get it now?
I no get biscuit o, don't cry on my mention

Lazyreporta:


This one no Sabi read again but she Sha wan famz.

Aunty or brother, I said the same thing, just that I asked why? You get it now?
I no get biscuit o, don't cry on my mention

floret23:
You are confusing yourself. You don't know how to communicate. You can see I'm not the only one correcting you.

Lazyreporta:
All these just makes it look like the endsarz was an agenda.

How did obi inherit the endsarz? Not even Sowore?
I just dey think aloud

BlazinGlory40:


Who be Sowore?

toneroforever:
Most Nigerians have taken ownership of the OBIdient movement. When I knew it was a serious issue was during Obi's negotiations with Kwankwaso. OBIdients told him clearly that if he accepts to be the VP in their merger talks, they will cease to support him.
It's not just about the man Peter Obi, it's about the ordinary Nigerians who simply desire to take back their country. Obi is just a tool in the hands of the masses. They found a voice in his candidacy hence the movement. It is a project in which their opinions count.
That's why the OBIdients unapologetically come for anyone they see attacking Obi. They instantly view such a person as an enemy of the state.
When the political elite & a section of the media they control tried to disparage the OBIdients by labelling them as being toxic, little did they know that they were indicting themselves. They created the monsters out of the OBIdients.
Make no mistakes about it, Nigeria is nearly bankrupt. The future of this country has been wrecked & bastardized by the mindless corruption & sheer wickedness of majority of the Nigerian politicians. If we play no part in trying to rescue it, history will judge us harshly.
I pray Obi wins. After his presidency, Nigerians of all the geopolitical regions should join hands and support a Northern president possibly from the NC or NE to ensure equity. The candidate should be supported just like we are supporting Obi now & he/she should be seen to have the country's best interests at heart. That way, politicians will seat up & know that power truly belongs to the people.

Lazyreporta:


OK, why did obi or how did obi inherit the endsarz people? I knew Sowore was active during the endsarz, before, and after.

Lazyreporta:


OK, why did obi or how did obi inherit the endsarz people? I knew Sowore was active during the endsarz, before, and after.

Lazyreporta:


Who be obi? See question

floret23:
Obi inherit Endsars people because people know he is not corrupt. Only someone who is not corrupt can fight against police brutality. Corrupt elements like Tinubu and Buhari can never oppose police brutality. Check their comments during Endsars protests and check Obi's comment.

As for Sowore, activists don't make good leader. Do you know Sowore is the chairman of AAC? He is also the presidential candidate of the party. He doesn't trust anyone. No sensible and honest person will approve such selfishness.

It is easy to see that Sowore would be very intolerant and autocratic if he enters into government. You can see how Reno, FFK, Keyamo have messed up. When Sowore also get to the dinning table, he would do worse.

Racoon:
You may or may not vote Peter Obi but the APC must be kicked out of our national life by February 2023. This satanic government have inflicted so much pain on this beleaguered nation.

A vote for justice in 2023 is a vote against all the injustice of the past 7 years. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." - M. Luther King.

Lazyreporta:


You know you were being reasonable until you drag tinubu and buhari into it, especially calling them corrupt. Do you have any case against them? If it's all these regular talk, how's obi different? I am sure you know they are all called thieves.. So how's obi better than them? On capacity, is obi better? Did he tell you since how he will fix the country?

floret23:
Go and verify. Google is your friend.
If you are asking me this unreasonable question at this time, it means you have zeal up your mind already. No amount of explanation can convince you. But my prayer for you and your family is that, may APC's Nigeria never happen to you before you become wise.

Lazyreporta:


It's not party this time, it's capacity, it's individual. Therefore, tinubu is way ahead of obi, and it's not up for debate. His big opponent self knows that. So you all can deceive una self about obi being better, but last last we all know the truth. Obi has never mentioned how he will do it, let's forget about the fact that he's an importer of products, and his talking about manufacturing. Laughable thou, only you people can praise such a myopic, and valueless speech

floret23:
With all his controversies? Mention one area in Tinubu's life that is not controversial. Can you employ such a mysterious element? Apart from his criminal records and deteriorating physical, mental health, I see him as someone very empty. He only wants the honour of being a president not that he wants to better the life of Nigerians.

If he has any idea, why can't he share it with Buhari?