ABUJA — Tension erupted at the National Assembly complex in Nigeria’s capital on Tuesday as police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators pressing lawmakers over proposed changes to the country’s electoral laws.
Hundreds of protesters had gathered outside the gates of the legislature to voice anger over recent developments in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which is being debated ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The demonstrators made up of civil society activists, supporters of political reform, and opposition members are demanding that lawmakers explicitly include mandatory “real-time electronic transmission” of election results in the final law, arguing that this would strengthen transparency and trust in the voting process.
The protest followed days of public outcry after the Senate passed the amendment bill with language that activists say weakens the requirement for real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units.
Though Senate leaders have said electronic transmission was not entirely removed from the bill, critics have insisted the omission of the term “real-time” could leave room for manipulation.
Demonstrators, some carrying colourful placards reading “Protect Our Votes” and “Our Votes Must Count,” initially maintained a peaceful march from nearby public spaces toward the National Assembly. But as the crowd pressed closer to the main entrance, police officers moved in, deploying teargas canisters to prevent them from entering the complex. The sudden release of the gas sent many protesters, including women, scrambling for fresh air, and one woman reportedly fainted after inhaling the fumes.
“Tinubu shame on you!” a protester was heard repeating as he ran.
“You want to steal our voice,” another cried out as he also ran.
Among those rallying was a broad mix of activists and ordinary citizens who say the reforms are essential to preventing electoral fraud and ensuring that votes cast in future elections are respected. Speaking earlier during the demonstration, some protesters expressed frustration that lawmakers appeared out of step with public calls for credible polls.
Security around the National Assembly was visibly heightened on Tuesday, with officers from the Nigeria Police Force supported by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps stationed at key points around the federal legislature.
The clash underscores growing civic pressure on Nigeria’s political institutions as the country prepares for its next election cycle. With trust in electoral processes already under scrutiny, many Nigerians see the push for real-time electronic transmission of results as a critical reform to safeguard democratic credibility.
