Teargassing Sowore and Others Raises Red Flags for Nigeria’s Democracy – Deji Adeyanju

By Gabriel Ewepu

Human‑rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has condemned the alleged use of tear gas against Omoyele Sowore and other demonstrators on Democracy Day, calling it a warning sign for Nigeria’s democratic future.

In an interview with Vanguard, Adeyanju described the incident as “deeply concerning,” noting that Democracy Day is meant to honor the sacrifices Nigerians have made for civil liberties. “It is therefore troubling when citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly are met with force,” he said. “While security agencies must maintain public order, they must do so in a way that respects fundamental rights.”

He added that the deployment of tear gas against peaceful protesters on such a symbolic day reveals the state’s tolerance for dissent. “The use of tear gas against peaceful demonstrators, particularly on a day that commemorates democratic struggle, says a lot about the state’s willingness to curb dissent,” Adeyanju said on Sunday.

Addressing the broader state of democracy in Nigeria, Adeyanju acknowledged the country’s progress over the past two decades in sustaining constitutional governance and civilian rule through regular elections and peaceful transfers of power. “However, democracy cannot be measured solely by electoral processes. Its true value must also be assessed by its impact on the welfare of citizens,” he said. “The challenge before Nigeria is not merely to preserve democracy ideologically but to deepen it substantively by ensuring that democratic governance translates into improved security, economic opportunity, accountability, and social welfare for the people.”

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Adeyanju expressed concern over voter apathy and the difficulties of conducting credible elections in areas affected by insecurity. “Citizens who feel disconnected from the political process or dissatisfied with governance so far may be less motivated to participate,” he warned. “Another concern is the ability to conduct credible elections in areas affected by insecurity, where voter access and electoral logistics may be compromised. Nevertheless, the elections present an opportunity for political actors to engage citizens on concrete solutions.”

He also lamented the shrinking civic space in Nigeria, calling it “my greatest concern.” Adeyanju stressed that a healthy democracy depends on citizens’ ability to speak freely, criticize government policies, organize peacefully, and hold public officials accountable without fear of intimidation. “The restrictions on protests, mistreatment of journalists and activists, and use of certain laws give me cause to worry. The strength of a democracy is not tested by how it treats those who support government policies but by how it treats those who disagree with them.”

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