Atiku made his position known in a post on his X account on Tuesday, arguing that six years after the incident involving #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos, Nigerians were still waiting for clear answers about responsibility for the shooting.
The former vice-president also linked the demand for accountability to the economic difficulties facing young Nigerians, citing rising petrol prices, declining purchasing power and limited employment opportunities.
Atiku Demands Answers Over Lekki Shooting
Reflecting on the incident, Atiku questioned who authorised the military action during the #EndSARS protest at the Lekki tollgate.
“Six years after the Lekki shooting, Nigeria is still waiting for a clear answer to one devastating question: Who gave the order?” he asked.
Atiku also criticised President Bola Tinubu's response to the incident in October 2020, arguing that the focus appeared to be on questioning the protesters rather than demanding accountability for the reported casualties.
According to him, the unresolved questions surrounding the shooting have contributed to lingering grief and distrust, particularly among young Nigerians who participated in demonstrations against police brutality.
Atiku argued that the APC, which has governed Nigeria since 2015, should address the questions surrounding the incident rather than continue leaving Nigerians without satisfactory answers.
He maintained that protecting citizens' lives and ensuring accountability for alleged abuses are fundamental responsibilities of government.
Atiku Links Lekki Shooting to Nigeria's Economic Challenges
Beyond the demand for accountability, the ADC presidential candidate criticised the Federal Government over the economic pressures facing Nigerian households.
He cited rising petrol prices, higher transportation costs and declining purchasing power as factors making it increasingly difficult for workers and young people to meet basic needs.
Atiku specifically referred to petrol selling at ₦1,405 per litre, arguing that the cost was placing additional pressure on Nigerians trying to afford transportation, food, education and housing.
“The APC promised renewal. For too many Nigerians, the experience has been rising costs, shrinking opportunity and a future pushed further out of reach,” he said.
The former vice-president argued that the economic situation had weakened the ability of many Nigerians to turn employment into financial stability.
Atiku Shares Story of Worker Struggling With Transport Costs
To illustrate the pressure on workers, Atiku recounted the experience of a young woman who, according to him, resigned from her job because her salary could no longer cover her transportation expenses.
He quoted the woman as saying: “The pay no longer covers transport. Everything in Nigeria just dey increase in price. Feels like I’m working for Bolt guys.”
Atiku described the account as an example of the difficulties facing workers whose earnings are being overtaken by rising living expenses.
He argued that employment should provide people with a reasonable opportunity to support themselves rather than leave them struggling to afford the cost of getting to work.
The account was presented by Atiku as an illustration of the economic pressure facing some workers; it was not independently verified in the statement.
ADC Candidate Outlines Proposed Economic Recovery Plan
Atiku also used the statement to promote his proposed Economic Recovery Plan, which he said was designed to make life more affordable for Nigerians.
According to him, the proposals include support linked to domestically refined fuel, increased local production, protection for minimum-wage earners, assistance for students and reductions in government waste.
He argued that policies aimed at strengthening domestic production and easing household expenses would help improve living conditions and create better opportunities for young Nigerians.
However, the statement did not provide detailed implementation timelines, funding arrangements or specific projected outcomes for the proposals.
Atiku Says Young Nigerians Deserve Accountability and Economic Opportunities
Atiku maintained that young Nigerians should not have to choose between demanding justice over the Lekki shooting and seeking an economy that allows them to earn a decent living.
“Young Nigerians deserve the truth about Lekki. They deserve a government that protects life, and an economy that gives work a chance to lead somewhere,” he said.
He added that Nigerians had the right to question the government over unresolved issues surrounding the shooting and the limited economic opportunities available to young people.
His comments bring together two issues that remain important in Nigeria's public debate: accountability for the events of the #EndSARS protests and the impact of economic policies on the cost of living.
As political discussions ahead of the 2027 general election continue, the incident and the country's economic challenges remain subjects of debate among political parties, government officials and citizens.
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