Tension escalated on Tuesday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja as security operatives fired teargas at protesters on Day 5 of the ongoing #OccupyNASS demonstration demanding electoral reforms, particularly the mandatory real-time transmission of election results in Nigeria.
Hundreds of Nigerians gathered at the National Assembly gates in the Federal Capital Territory, insisting on gaining access to the premises to press home their demands for a more transparent and credible electoral process. The demonstrators, many of whom carried placards and chanted solidarity songs, called on lawmakers to amend the Electoral Act to include compulsory real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units.
The situation took a dramatic turn when security operatives moved in to disperse the crowd as protesters attempted to advance toward the main entrance of the complex. Canisters of teargas were fired into the crowd, forcing many to flee in different directions, while others were seen gasping for breath and seeking cover.
The incident occurred shortly after a press briefing by protest leaders and civil society advocates who had converged at the protest ground to express solidarity with demonstrators. Prominent figures at the briefing included , a former Minister of Education, alongside political activist Omoyele Sowore’s ally Peter Randy and other civic voices such as Adebayo.
Since the protest began five days ago, several notable political figures and activists have visited the protest ground to lend their support. Among them are former Labour Party presidential candidate , former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and social activist Aisha Yesufu. Popular grassroots mobilizer Princess also joined demonstrators earlier in the week.
Organizers of the #OccupyNASS protest say their agitation is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system and preventing manipulation of results. They insist that real-time electronic transmission is critical to restoring public confidence in elections.
Despite the teargas incident, protest leaders have vowed to continue the demonstration until their demands are met, maintaining that peaceful civic action remains their constitutional right.
