The Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday, February 17, used tear gas to disperse protesters at the National Assembly in Abuja, as tensions rose over proposed amendments to the country’s electoral framework
Among those present were activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore and ex-minister Solomon Dalung, who joined the demonstration calling for reforms to ensure greater transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sowore accused police of using excessive force against peaceful protesters, describing the crackdown as an attack on democratic expression. He reported that some demonstrators collapsed after being exposed to tear gas and urged Nigerians to mobilize in defense 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,” Sowore said.
Protesters demanded real-time electronic transmission of election results, restoration of a 360-day statutory timeline for issuing election notices, and stricter penalties for vote buying. They argued that these measures are critical to improving transparency, ensuring proper preparation by electoral stakeholders, and restoring public trust in the electoral process.
Despite the dispersal, organisers vowed to continue pressing their demands, urging the National Assembly’s Conference Committee to prioritize the public interest and strengthen electoral transparency.
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