Sowore Reveals Details of Meeting With Kwankwaso After Police Attack in Abuja

Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has disclosed details of a recent encounter with former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, following the controversy surrounding the June 12 Democracy Day protest in Abuja.

Sowore revealed the development in a post shared on his X account, where he recounted meeting Kwankwaso at a wedding ceremony held for the daughter of a mutual friend.

According to the activist and politician, the former governor acknowledged being aware of the incident that occurred during the Democracy Day protest, where police officers reportedly dispersed demonstrators with tear gas.

The protest drew widespread attention after videos circulated online showing protesters being confronted by security operatives. During the incident, Sowore was reportedly affected by the tear gas and briefly collapsed amid the chaos.

Sowore said Kwankwaso expressed concern over what happened and indicated that he had followed reports of the confrontation between protesters and security personnel.

However, despite appreciating the private expression of concern, the AAC chieftain questioned why the former governor had not publicly condemned the conduct of the law enforcement officers involved in the incident.

According to Sowore, public figures and political leaders have a responsibility to speak out against actions that may undermine democratic rights, particularly when citizens are exercising their constitutional freedom to protest.

While he did not disclose the full details of their conversation, Sowore suggested that public condemnation of the incident would have sent a stronger message regarding the protection of civil liberties and democratic principles.

The June 12 protest was organized to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day, with demonstrators raising concerns about governance, economic hardship, and other national issues. The event was disrupted in some locations after security personnel moved to disperse crowds, sparking criticism from civil society groups and rights advocates.

Sowore’s latest remarks have added another dimension to the ongoing debate over the handling of peaceful protests and the role political leaders should play in defending citizens’ rights in a democratic society.