Abuja, February 18, 2026 –
The Revolutionary Socialist Movement (RSM) has condemned what it calls “brutal and unjustified” police attacks on peaceful protesters who gathered at the National Assembly Complex on February 17 to demand full electronic transmission of election results in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Salako Kayode, the group accused security operatives of using tear gas and excessive force to suppress citizens exercising their democratic rights. “The repeated use of tear gas and aggressive force against Nigerians demanding electoral transparency is a dark stain on our democracy,” the RSM said.
The movement cited Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, emphasizing that “the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression is fundamental and does not require ‘permission’ from the police.” It warned that such state actions reflect “a dangerous descent into authoritarianism, where citizens are treated as enemies for simply demanding their voices be heard.”
Describing the crackdown as unacceptable, the RSM stated: “The demand for transparent and credible elections, including electronic transmission of results, is not a crime. Suppressing peaceful protesters undermines democratic development and deepens public distrust in governance.”
Criticizing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the movement questioned why a budget of approximately ₦1 trillion in recent electoral cycles has not guaranteed real-time, transparent election result transmission. “If ₦1 trillion cannot deliver electronic election results, then serious questions must be asked about accountability and political will,” it said.
The RSM has called for:
- An immediate end to police brutality against peaceful demonstrators
- The unconditional release of arrested protesters
- An independent investigation into police conduct
- Full implementation of electronic transmission of election results
The group also urged labour unions, civil society organizations, and student bodies to resist any attempts to silence democratic demands through violence. Taking a direct swipe at the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the RSM warned: “You can disperse a crowd, but you cannot silence the collective will of a people determined to see a more transparent nation.”
The statement concluded by urging Nigerians to support the Africa Action Congress (AAC) as an alternative to the “present corrupt political system” and to fight for a government that prioritizes the needs of the people.
The violent dispersal of protesters, involving tear gas and physical assault, was earlier reported by SaharaReporters.
