Hundreds of Nigerians on Wednesday staged a protest outside the Federal High Court in Abuja, chanting “Tinubu Must Go” and “Hunger dey” over the country’s economic situation and a legal dispute involving President Bola Tinubu’s electoral records.
The protest coincided with the scheduled continuation of the criminal trial of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
Videos shared by Sowore on X showed demonstrators gathered at the court entrance, chanting slogans against the President and expressing frustration over hunger and economic hardship.
Sowore said the protesters had begun their demonstration while his defence team awaited the production of Tinubu’s electoral documents by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The defence had earlier secured a subpoena compelling INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to produce specified electoral records submitted by Tinubu.
The subpoena, issued by Justice Mohammed Garba Umar, requested Tinubu’s INEC Form CF001 submitted for the 1999 Lagos State governorship election.
It also sought an affidavit relating to his claim of lost certificates, as well as the Form CF001 submitted for the 2023 presidential election.
The documents are being sought in charge number FHC/CR/484/2025, in which the Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore over statements describing Tinubu as a criminal.
However, INEC has challenged the subpoena, seeking to have it set aside.
The commission, through its chairman and legal representatives, approached the Federal High Court on November 10, arguing that the subpoena was not personally served on Amupitan.
INEC also reportedly questioned the description and availability of the documents requested by Sowore’s defence team.
The court had yet to determine the commission’s application as of the latest reports.
The legal dispute has raised fresh questions about whether INEC will be compelled to release the requested electoral documents for use in Sowore’s defence.
Wednesday’s demonstration added a political dimension to the court proceedings, as protesters used the occasion to express dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration and the rising cost of living.
The court’s decision on INEC’s application is expected to determine whether the electoral records will be produced as demanded by Sowore’s defence team.
