In Nigeria’s capital city, the #EndBadGovernance demonstration that was supposed to take place from August 1 to August 10 has lost momentum.
An order from a court barred demonstrators from entering Eagle Square and confined them to MKO Abiola National Stadium.
After hours of resistance, demonstrators were dispersed with tear gas at Eagle Square on the first day. Security personnel found it difficult to keep protesters from setting bonfires and obstructing roads as the stadium demonstration went on without incident.
When our correspondents visited the stadium on the third day, they saw no protestors. Journalists and police gathered around, taking in the deserted sight. Claiming that the demonstrators had “gone for the weekend,” a policeman made fun of them.
An organiser claimed to be at Berger Roundabout when contacted, but no demonstrators were visible there. Subsequently, he announced that they were inside the stadium for a strategy meeting.
Social media users shared a video of a small group of individuals dancing along with the statement that demonstrators were becoming more numerous. Given that there are currently no protesters visible in stadium images and recordings, it is unclear when the film, which featured organiser Deji Adeyanju, was taken.