Former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday joined protesters at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, where demonstrators are calling for electoral reforms.
Sowore, who addressed supporters shortly after arriving at the venue, said Nigeria’s political elite were incapable of reforming the system, accusing elected officials of abandoning the electorate once they assume office.
He alleged that some lawmakers who recently voted for the removal of key electoral provisions had previously aligned themselves with the public during the 2022 and 2023 election periods.
According to him, such individuals changed positions after gaining access to the National Assembly, abandoning the people who supported them.
The activist urged Nigerians to remain united, stressing that the protest was part of broader preparations for future actions and not a one-time event.
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Sowore said sustained mass action would be required to bring about meaningful change in the country, adding that shutting down the system had become inevitable.
He further argued that elections alone could not address Nigeria’s challenges, calling instead for what he described as an “electoral revolution” capable of restructuring the political process.
Drawing parallels with previous protests, Sowore referenced the 2012 Occupy Nigeria movement and the 2020 EndSARS protests, saying the country was due for another phase of mass mobilisation.
He noted that current living conditions were worse than in previous years, reinforcing the need for renewed civic action.
Meanwhile, security operatives were deployed around the National Assembly to monitor the protest, as demonstrators continued to chant solidarity songs and demand comprehensive electoral reforms.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
