Tension erupted at PTI Junction in Warri, Delta State, on Thursday morning as youths gathered for a 5 kilometre Independence Day Run and protested the distribution of polo shirts bearing the image of President Bola Tinubu.
The protest erupted after the youths who gathered for the event expressed anger over the distribution of T shirts bearing the image of Tinubu. The participants who gathered for the exercise were surprised when organisers began distributing Soft Nigeria polo shirts featuring Tinubu’s image. Some of the youths felt deceived and expressed displeasure.
Videos circulating online showed some participants tearing the shirts shortly after receiving them. Others were heard chanting the name of Peter Obi, while some protesters repeatedly shouted, “We no go wear.”
The incident reportedly caused a stir among participants and onlookers at the junction as the disagreement over the branded shirts overshadowed the planned exercise.
The protest comes amid continuing political tensions in parts of the country, with public events sometimes becoming platforms for youths to express their views about political leaders and parties.
The circumstances surrounding the organisation of the run, including who approved the distribution of the Tinubu branded shirts and whether participants were informed beforehand, were not immediately clear.
The event was scheduled as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence Day, but the reaction from some participants turned the gathering into a scene of protest, with the torn shirts becoming a visible symbol of their displeasure.
