By Gabriel Ewepu
ABUJA — ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) on Monday condemned the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) for deploying tear gas against peaceful protesters at the National Assembly demanding real-time transmission of election results, describing the action as counterproductive and a threat to democratic freedoms.
Speaking to reporters, AAN Country Director, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, said citizens cannot be suppressed for exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest. He stressed that the force used against demonstrators sent the wrong message about the state of democracy in Nigeria.
“The decision by the Nigeria Police Force to deploy tear gas against largely peaceful citizens gathered outside the National Assembly to demand stronger electoral transparency was deeply troubling and counter‑productive,” Mamedu said. “The protesters were exercising a constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression, calling for urgent reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
He added that Nigerian law permits peaceful assembly without prior police approval, noting that courts have declared mandatory police permits unconstitutional. According to Mamedu, the tear gas deployment suggested intimidation rather than a legitimate attempt to maintain public order, as there was no evidence the crowd posed a threat.
Mamedu also commended Prof. Pat Utomi, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, and Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) for suing the National Assembly over the police action, describing it as a necessary step to hold authorities accountable. He warned that without legal consequences, similar heavy-handed responses to civic expression could continue, citing past incidents like the August 2024 End Bad Governance protests.
“Speaking out peacefully is part of strengthening democracy,” Mamedu said. “Civil society groups and Nigerians will continue to press for their rights until the government listens and makes the changes citizens are demanding.”
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