By Queen Kunde
A peaceful protest by the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) turned chaotic yesterday after police fired tear gas at demonstrators outside the National Assembly of Nigeria, following lawmakers’ refusal to amend the Electoral Act to mandate real-time transmission of election results.
For two weeks, women from across the country had staged a sit-in at the Assembly complex, demanding that results from polling units be uploaded directly and mandatorily to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Results Viewing Portal (IREV). The group described the amendment as “a cornerstone of transparent democracy” and a critical safeguard against electoral manipulation.
Addressing the nation on Tuesday, NILOWV President Irene Awunah-Ikyegh expressed “profound disappointment” at lawmakers’ decision not to act on the proposal.
“By turning a deaf ear to the people’s call, our legislators have chosen to betray the very foundation of our democratic experiment,” she said. “Their inaction signals a dangerous complacency, allowing opacity to flourish and undermining public trust in every future election.”
Moments later, what had been a peaceful gathering descended into confusion as security operatives moved in to disperse protesters. Eyewitnesses reported that tear gas canisters were fired into the crowd, sending elderly women and young participants scrambling for safety.
Videos circulating online showed women coughing, shielding their faces, and assisting one another away from the choking fumes. No official casualty figures were released at press time, but protest organizers described the action as “wanton violence” against law-abiding citizens.
“The brutal response is a stark reminder that when institutions meant to uphold justice become instruments of oppression, the social contract is fractured,” Awunah-Ikyegh declared, condemning the use of force.
The proposed amendment mandatory real-time transmission of results to IREV has been a contentious issue since previous election cycles, with critics arguing that the absence of a clear legal requirement leaves room for disputes and erodes public confidence. Supporters say codifying the process would strengthen electoral integrity and reduce post-election litigation.
In a sharply worded rebuke to lawmakers, the NILOWV president warned that history would judge those who “chose convenience over conscience.”
Despite the confrontation, the group vowed to continue its campaign through “lawful, strategic actions,” urging members nationwide to remain calm and united.
“Nigeria’s democracy belongs to its people,” Awunah-Ikyegh said. “Let us protect it with courage and conviction.”
As tensions simmer, the clash underscores deepening anxieties over electoral reforms and raises fresh questions about the balance between public order and the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
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