Activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore fell on Friday during a Democracy Day protest in Abuja after security operatives fired tear gas at demonstrators in front of the Force Headquarters.
The protest was part of a nationwide mobilisation organised by a coalition of civic groups, labour activists, youth organisations and social movements, which declared June 12 a day of mass action over insecurity, economic hardship and living conditions in the country.
The coalition’s statement was signed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights president Yinka Folarin, #EndBadGovernance Movement organiser Hassan Soweto and Falz.
Eyewitnesses said the protest turned chaotic after police officers deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Videos shared online showed Sowore on the ground while protesters gathered around him and tried to assist him.
Some protesters were heard shouting that police had started firing tear gas as confusion spread at the scene.
Sowore was later helped into a vehicle by supporters as he tried to recover. He covered his nose with a red handkerchief while others fanned him. A woman at the scene said more tear gas was being fired.
In videos from the scene, he was seen lying on the ground before being assisted into the vehicle. He was later asked if he was stable and he responded, “Yeah.”
Other footage showed protesters moving away in different directions as security operatives continued to disperse the gathering with tear gas.
There were also claims that Sowore collapsed during the confrontation and was taken to hospital for medical attention after he was affected by tear gas. Supporters said he lost consciousness during the disruption before he was evacuated from the area.
He later regained consciousness while being moved away in a vehicle, according to sources close to him.
He has since been taken to an undisclosed hospital for further examination and treatment.
Security agencies have not issued a statement on the incident.
