Fresh turmoil erupted on Tuesday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja after police officers fired tear gas at protesters. The demonstrators had gathered to oppose the Senate’s approval of both electronic transmission and manual collation of election results.
Tension rose at the main entrance when some protesters tried to move closer to the gate. Police responded by launching tear gas canisters into the crowd. The action caused panic and forced many to flee.
Hundreds of protesters, including women and older citizens, ran for safety. Some fell during the stampede. An old woman fainted after inhaling the fumes.
Sowore Condemns Police Action
Activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, criticised the police response. He described the incident as an attack on democracy.
“This is a declaration of war on Nigerians and participatory democracy,” he said. He alleged that officers used high-impact tear gas canisters. He also claimed that more than two people collapsed during the chaos.
Sowore said the protesters only demanded access to the public gallery. He argued that citizens have the right to monitor legislative proceedings.
“When visitors from other countries come, they enter the Capitol hall. Why can’t Nigerians enter their own National Assembly?” he asked. He insisted that lawmakers must allow citizens to observe the emergency session.
Protesters Renew Call for Electoral Reform
Earlier, protesters returned to the complex for the second straight day. The demonstration continued a coordinated, citizen-led advocacy campaign that began on Monday.
Organisers, ActionAid Nigeria, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, and Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTION), described it as a planned and evidence-based effort to sustain momentum for the passage and effective implementation of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.
They demanded real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s IREV portal.
Among those present at the protest were former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili; disability rights advocate, Jake Epelle; the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Adewole Adebayo; and activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, among others.
The crowd chanted, “We no go gree, Akpabio, pass the bill.” They directed the call at Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. Others shouted, “Our votes must count.”
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Demonstrators carried placards with bold messages. Some read, “Don’t alter the bill, pass it.” Others declared, “Rigging election is a coup.”
Despite the tear gas, protesters vowed to continue their action. Security operatives maintained a heavy presence around the complex as tensions persisted.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
