February 18, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel Report
A pro-democracy organisation, Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), has threatened legal action against the National Assembly and the Nigeria Police following the alleged use of tear gas to disperse electoral reform protesters in Abuja.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the group condemned what it described as the “violent suppression” of peaceful demonstrators who had gathered at the National Assembly complex to demand stronger safeguards for the electronic transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to MCE, the deployment of tear gas against unarmed citizens sends a “deeply troubling signal” about the state of democracy in Nigeria.
The group argued that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and an essential part of democratic accountability.
“In any functioning democracy, citizens not only have the right but also the responsibility to demand transparency in electoral processes,” the statement read. “When calls for credible elections are met with force, the issue shifts from democratic procedure to the misuse of power.”
MCE further alleged that security operatives dispersed protesters at a time lawmakers were deliberating on provisions the group claims could weaken protections for electronic transmission of election results.
The organisation warned that the incident could erode public confidence in democratic institutions and create the impression that state agencies are being used to shield controversial legislative actions from public scrutiny.
It called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the police response and urged lawmakers to clarify their position on mandatory electronic transmission safeguards.
The group also appealed to the National Assembly to engage openly with civil society organisations and the public on ongoing electoral reform proposals.
“Democracy rarely collapses overnight,” the statement added. “It weakens gradually when lawful dissent is treated as a threat and transparency becomes optional.”
Signed by Olawale Okunniyi, Head of MCE’s National Secretariat, the statement concluded that the group would proceed with what it described as “formidable legal action” over the alleged brutalisation of peaceful protesters.
MCE insisted that the incident would not deter its advocacy efforts, stressing that the credibility of the 2027 elections depends on how institutions respond to citizens’ lawful demands today.
