The House of Representatives on Thursday expressed regret over the use of tear gas on protesters at the National Assembly earlier in the week, describing the development as unfortunate and assuring Nigerians that the incident was being examined.
Read: Teargas Flies as Electoral Reform Protest Escalates at National Assembly in Abuja
House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, conveyed the apology during a press briefing in Abuja where stakeholders gathered to assess the recently signed Electoral Act. The event was hosted by the Kukah Centre and Yiaga Africa in partnership with the International Press Centre, TAF Africa, Centre for Media and Society, Nigerian Women Trust Fund and ElectHer.
Police operatives had faced backlash after dispersing demonstrators with tear gas when they returned to the National Assembly complex on Tuesday. The protesters were calling for the compulsory inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the 2026 Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
The demonstration resumed after a five-day pause, reportedly based on assurances earlier given to the group during a previous sitting.
Reacting to the incident, Rotimi said he sympathised with those affected and stressed that such an occurrence should not have taken place. He noted that the House’s media and public affairs unit was looking into what happened.
He reaffirmed that citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful protest at the National Assembly but warned that organisers must guard against infiltration by individuals who may seek to cause unrest or disrupt public order. According to him, the House remains committed to engaging the public constructively.
Addressing concerns surrounding the amendment of the Electoral Act, Rotimi defended the National Assembly’s approach, maintaining that lawmakers followed due process and acted in good faith. He stated that civil society groups were involved throughout the review of both the 2022 Act and the new 2026 version.
While acknowledging that some stakeholders were dissatisfied with certain provisions, he insisted that the legislative process complied fully with constitutional requirements as well as the rules of both chambers. He added that electoral reform is an evolving process and that future amendments remain possible as new realities emerge.
Rotimi urged Nigerians not to lose confidence in the legislature, saying lawmakers acted with the country’s best interests in mind. Though he admitted the law might not be perfect, he expressed optimism that it could still support credible elections if properly implemented.
On proposals for the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a nationwide test run of its result transmission system, he said the House welcomed the suggestion. He also backed calls for the immediate publication of the newly signed Electoral Act so citizens can easily access and understand its contents.
According to him, the Authentication Act outlines the procedure for publishing the law, with the Clerk to the National Assembly responsible for directing the government printer to make it publicly available.
He further acknowledged that public trust in institutions, particularly the legislature, has declined in recent years, but assured that efforts would continue to rebuild confidence.
The conference was part of ongoing engagements between lawmakers and civil society groups following the passage of the Electoral Act 2026, which has sparked intense debate ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially over the issue of electronic transmission of results.
