Peter Obi condemned Tuesday’s police use of teargas to disperse peaceful protesters at the National Assembly demanding mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results, calling it evidence of the country’s descent into disgrace and urging mass resistance to anti-democratic forces.
The clash unfolded as demonstrators rallied for amendments to the Electoral Act to enhance transparency in polls, a longstanding flashpoint since the contentious 2023 vote.
Obi, a former Anambra governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) leader who placed third in that election behind President Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar, decried the response as emblematic of eroded freedoms.
“Again we are showing the world, why we are ‘now disgraced nation.’ Today, in our beloved country Nigeria, harmless citizens performing their constitutionally guaranteed duties peacefully were tear-gassed simply for asking for what is right: free, fair, and credible elections in a democratic nation,” Obi said in a statement.
“Those who yesterday claimed to be champions of democracy, have today become destroyers of our democracy and the worst enemies of good governance.”
He implored unity: “I urge Nigerians, en masse, to resist these continued evil plans, to stand united against the destruction of our nation and collective future, and to ensure that free and fair elections are firmly established for the sake of our future.”
Obi reiterated demands for electronic safeguards: “We insist that there must be real-time mandatory electronic transmission of polling unit results to ensure transparency and trust in our elections.”
Reps to investigate use of tear gas on demonstrators at NASS
Reps spokesman Akin Rotimi said in a statement on Tuesday that the House will review the circumstances that resulted in the police’s use of tear gas to disperse protesters.
“In light of the seriousness of the reports received, the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs will take up the matter with relevant authorities and cause a thorough review of the circumstances that led to the alleged incident,” said Mr Rotimi.
He added, “Where necessary, appropriate steps will be taken in line with the oversight mandate of the House to ensure accountability and to prevent any recurrence.”
