Nigeria police bare their fangs, tear-gas peaceful protesters demanding electoral reforms
THE Nigeria police fired tear gas at peaceful protesters demanding full electoral reforms at the National Assembly on Tuesday, acting with the force and severity reminiscent of a military dictatorship.
The protesters stood in front of the National Assembly chanting songs, demanding the mandatory inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026. Analysts say the Godswill Akpabio-led Senate last week opened room for electoral manipulation by authorising both electronic and manual transmission of election results. But Nigerians say they want only a real-time electronic transmission of results to avoid compromising the integrity of the electoral process.
The Senate had reconvened for an emergency plenary session last Tuesday to revisit its controversial decision on Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, after widespread public outcry. Rather than grant the request of the majority of Nigerians on compulsory e-transmission, the Red Chamber chose to give room for the manual transmission, which will not only compromise the integrity of elections but also create confusion in the polity.
Panic began at the National Assembly after the Nigeria police threw the tear gas, with hundreds of protesters, including women, caught in the confusion. Some protesters fell over each other in their bid to escape the melee. A protester reportedly fainted after inhaling the fumes.
Among those affected by the tear-gas dispersal were activist and former presidential candidate, Mr Omoyele Sowore, and a pastor, Prophet Isa El-Buba, including a former Sports Minister, Mr Solomon Dalung.
Mr Sowore claimed that some protesters collapsed following exposure to tear gas and called on Nigerians to mobilise in defence of electoral integrity and civil liberties.
“This has translated now to a total declaration of war on Nigerians. This is a coup against democracy…for the first time the police is using compressed containers that penetrate through your skin on Nigerians. Over two people have collapsed in this place now. This is not going to be accepted. We are calling on Nigerians to be heading down to the National Assembly,” Mr Sowore said.
Prophet El-Buba, who recently returned from the United States, said it was a sad develpment to see what was happening in Nigeria.
“I was tear gassed at the National Assembly, in my own country, for what reason?” he asked.
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“Imagine Nigerians in a peaceful demonstration, and all they get is tear gas. These young people are standing for the future of this nation, and all they are asking for is for their voices to be heard,” he said, criticising the authorities for what he described as an unnecessary show of force.
“I was not tear gassed when I demanded to talk with American congressmen, they listened. Why should Nigerians making their presentation here be treated this way?” he further queried.
Meanwhile, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, said it was shocking that harmless citizens performing their constitutionally guaranteed duties peacefully were tear-gassed simply for asking for what is right: free, fair, and credible elections in a democratic nation. “Those who yesterday claimed to be champions of democracy, have today become destroyers of our democracy and the worst enemies of good governance,” he wrote on his X on Tuesday.
“I urge Nigerians, en masse, to resist these continued evil plans, to stand united against the destruction of our nation and collective future, and to ensure that free and fair elections are firmly established for the sake of our future. We insist that there must be real-time mandatory electronic transmission of polling unit results to ensure transparency and trust in our elections. May God grant us the strength to build a better country, founded on free, fair, and credible elections, justice, and good governance, for the future of our dear nation,” he added.
National Assembly conspiracy
Meanwhile, a non-profit civic hub dedicated to promoting democratic governance, human rights, and civic participation across Africa, Yiaga Africa, said reports “reaching us indicate that the National Assembly has adopted the Senate’s position on Clause 60(3) concerning electronic transmission of results, a move that runs contrary to public demand and the earlier position of the House of Representatives.”
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Yiaga Africa alleged that both chambers had resolved to reduce the statutory timeline for issuing the election timetable from 360 days to 300 days. “These decisions carry significant implications for transparency, preparation, and the overall credibility of the 2027 electoral process,” it claimed.
However, the Senate passed the passed the Electoral Act, 2022 (repeal and re-enactment) Bill 2026 without compunction.
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About the Author
Odinaka Anudu
Editor and Managing Editor
Lagos, Nigeria
Odinaka Anudu is a seasoned journalist with nearly two decades of journalism experience. He has won 19 journalism awards and written thousands of stories for both local and international platforms. He has worked in eight different media organisations and travelled widely in various capacities. He is an investigative journalist, a newsroom leader, mentor and lecturer.
