Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has welcomed the emergence of what he described as “emergency activists” joining ongoing demonstrations for accountability and electoral reforms, saying their participation underscored the inescapable consequences of systemic injustice.

Adeyanju made the remarks in a statement on Tuesday as protesters under #OccupyNationalAssembly demanded credible elections, respect for the rule of law, and institutional accountability continue to gather momentum across the country.

LEADERSHIP reports that former Anambra State governor and ADC Chieftain, Peter Obi, was among the protesters on the first day on Monday, while the immediate-past Minister of Transportation and former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, joined the protesters on Tuesday alongside one of his sons.

According to him, several individuals now lending their voices to the protests were previously hostile to civic actions and had, while in positions of authority, opposed popular struggles for accountability.

“All those who once mobilised thugs against us, mocked our protests, and ridiculed us for our insistence on accountability and the rule of law are today finding their voices on the streets,” Adeyanju said.

He noted that many of these individuals had resisted efforts to defend citizens’ rights during their time in government, but were now being confronted by the consequences of governance failures.

“These are the same individuals who, while in government under previous regimes, opposed every genuine effort to defend the rights of the people and to demand that the right thing be done,” he stated.

“Today, they are confronted by the very same rotten system they helped to build and protect, and can no longer escape its consequences.”

Despite their past opposition to protests, Adeyanju said the movement for electoral reform remained open to all, stressing that the struggle transcends personal or political differences.

“We welcome them, nonetheless, to this side of history. Their sudden awakening is proof that injustice eventually spares no one,” he said.

The activist added that as more Nigerians begun to feel the impact of a dysfunctional system, the protest movement will continue to expand.

“As more emergency comrades begin to feel the weight of a broken system now turned against them, I look forward to seeing many more familiar faces join the call for electoral reform,” Adeyanju said

He also expressed optimism that some former government officials who were previously critical of protest movements would eventually align with the cause.

“I am particularly hopeful that Comrade Malami, El-Rufai, and others who once stood firmly against our struggle will soon find their way to the protest grounds,” he added.

Adeyanju concluded by reaffirming the resolve of activists to sustain pressure for reforms, declaring that the momentum for change was irreversible. “The tide has changed, and the struggle continues,” he said.

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