How EndSARS Protest Shaped Our Political Interests Ahead Of 2023 Elections – 5 Nigerians Tell Neusroom
In October 2020, Nigerian youths staged a peaceful protest against a notorious unit of the police force, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad. Although saddled with the responsibility of fighting robbery and other violent crimes in the country, the unit became infamous for profiling young Nigerians which sometimes led to indiscriminate arrests, extortion and in some cases, death.
The protest which began in Lagos spread to other parts of the country. It culminated in the infamous attack against peaceful protesters at Lekki Toll gate by security operatives on October 20.
Nigeria is set to go into a historic general election in 2023. The presidential election remains the most significant and has dominated political discourse. On the two-year anniversary of the EndSARS protest, we asked Nigerians on the street whether the protest has had any effect on their political interest.
Patrick Okere: The EndSars protest was a precursor to what is happening now in Nigeria. Nigerians what to take back their country. Nigerians are tired of the old order. Nigerians are aware that things could be much more better. People are suffering, people are leaving Nigeria en masse and nobody seems to care. The only person who is not being affected by what is happening in Nigeria now is either a god or a beast.
Fabunmi Ibuunoluwa: I don’t think so because we don’t have youths contesting in the election. I don’t think I should give them (politicians) any credit.
Paul Aja Paul: In the aspect of governance and voting in the right candidate, it has let me realise that the government doesn’t care about the youths and so we have to change our mindset towards good governance.
Michael Bell: Since the protest, I kept my PVC with the intention that comes 2023, we are going to vote for a credible leader who will hear our voice and do what we want and make the country better.
Alfred Bela: The protest has shaped my political interest. I voted in 2015 but did not vote in 2019. With the protest, I now realise the power we have and strengthened my resolve about my perspective on nation-building and that with one voice, we can all make a change in the country.
