Democracy Day: Sowore Reportedly Collapses As Tear Gas Disrupts Abuja Protest

Activist and African Action Congress (AAC) 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was reportedly taken ill on Friday during a Democracy Day protest in Abuja after security operatives allegedly fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators outside the Force Headquarters.

The protest, organised by a coalition of civil society groups, labour activists, youth organisations and social movements, was part of nationwide demonstrations marking June 12, with participants citing insecurity, economic hardship and worsening living conditions across the country.

The coalition’s mobilisation was backed by prominent figures including human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), Committee for the Defence of Human Rights President Yinka Folarin, #EndBadGovernance Movement organiser Hassan Soweto, and activist Falz.

Tension escalated at the Abuja location after security personnel allegedly deployed tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd, causing panic and confusion among demonstrators.

Videos circulating on social media platform X showed Sowore lying on the ground while fellow protesters gathered around him, fanning him in an attempt to revive him.

Eyewitnesses said police continued firing tear gas as the situation worsened, while some protesters attempted to move the activist to safety.

Sowore was later assisted into a vehicle and seen covering his nose with a red cloth while recovering. In footage shared online, he appeared responsive when asked about his condition, replying that he was “okay.”

Other clips showed protesters dispersing amid heavy use of tear gas by security operatives.

At the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from security agencies regarding the incident, and Sowore’s condition had not been independently confirmed.