Nigeria’s Political Landscape and the #EndSARS Movement

Since gaining independence from Britain on October 1, 1960, Nigeria’s leadership has largely been dominated by the capitalist elite. These individuals have accumulated immense wealth, with some possessing assets that rival the nation’s own. In this system, educational achievement alone rarely secures political leadership—whether at the presidential, legislative, or even local government level—without strong connections to the ruling class. Political “godfathers” wield enormous influence, determining who rises or falls within the political hierarchy. Even promises of support can be withdrawn at the last moment if loyalty is questioned.

This entrenched arrangement has widened the gap between rich and poor, creating a deeply unbalanced society. Efforts by citizens, particularly the youth, to challenge the status quo through elections have often failed, as the ruling elite manipulate outcomes through vote-buying or collusion with corrupt officials.

Nigeria’s youth, who make up the majority of the population, have borne the brunt of this marginalization. Branded “lazy” by the government, they have also faced harassment from law enforcement, especially the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Many young people recount harrowing experiences of extortion, where police officers accuse them of internet fraud (“Yahoo Yahoo”) and force them to pay bribes through cash withdrawals or bank transfers. While some youths are indeed involved in cybercrime, many others are legitimate workers unfairly targeted.

By October 2020, frustration reached a breaking point. Nigerian youths launched nationwide protests against police brutality, extortion, and arbitrary arrests under the banner of #EndSARS. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp amplified the movement, quickly transforming it into a global campaign. Peaceful demonstrations dominated the first twelve days, but by the thirteenth, unrest escalated as some groups began looting shops, vandalizing property, and storming warehouses stocked with undistributed COVID-19 relief materials.

As with many protests, hoodlums hijacked the movement, leading to violence, including the deaths of police officers, particularly in Lagos. Security forces, overwhelmed and fearful, struggled to protect ordinary citizens, focusing instead on safeguarding the ruling class. Meanwhile, the economy suffered significant setbacks as the government delayed its response. President Muhammadu Buhari initially acknowledged the protesters’ demands but failed to directly address the nation, fueling further discontent. Only after widespread destruction did he appear on national television, urging youths to end the protests and promising reforms once again.

In hindsight, the tragic loss of lives and property might have been avoided had the government acted swiftly and decisively. As the saying goes: vox populi, vox Dei—the voice of the people is the voice of God.