Six years ago, President Bola Tinubu stood beside Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos and asked a question. “Those who suffered gunshot at Lekki toll gate, need to answer some questions too. Why were they there? What kind of characters are they?” The clip has resurfaced. It was recorded on 24 October 2020, four days after security forces opened fire on #EndSARS protesters. Tinubu added: “Sanwo-Olu did the right thing. I’m still the Jagaban.”
On 20 October 2020, soldiers and police opened fire at the Lekki toll gate. Protesters had gathered against police brutality. The Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry investigated. It confirmed that at least 11 protesters were killed. The military denied firing live rounds. The panel’s report was disputed by the federal government. The anniversary is marked every year. Each year, the memory becomes more political. Each year, the divide over what happened deepens.
The resurfaced clips have drawn accusations of insensitivity. Many Nigerians called the words heartless. They said a leader should not question the motives of people who were shot. They pointed out that Tinubu also condemned the use of live bullets at the time. That portion of his remarks is less remembered. The resurfaced clip focuses on his questioning of the victims and his praise for the governor.
The timing matters. The 2027 election is approaching. The president is on the ballot. #EndSARS remains a raw memory for young Nigerians. The SBM Intelligence poll found that youth voters are the most sceptical of the government. The anniversary is a reminder. The clip is a weapon for the opposition. The presidency has not responded.
The context is complex. Tinubu visited the governor in the aftermath. He condemned the shootings. He also questioned the victims. Both statements are on record. The resurfaced clip picks one. The other is ignored. That is politics.
Winners: Opposition parties, who gain a viral moment. Activists, who gain attention. Social media, which gains content. Losers: Tinubu, whose words are being revisited. The presidency, which must defend the record. The victims’ families, who relive the trauma. The APC, which faces a reminder of a painful chapter. Young voters, who see a leader they distrust.
Bottom Line: Six years later, the words still sting. A president asked why the victims were there. The victims cannot answer. They are dead. The panel confirmed it. The anniversary is a mirror. The clip is a question. Nigerians will decide in 2027 whether the answer matters.