SUNTV GLOBAL CHANNEL — Abuja, Nigeria (February 18, 2026)
The Take-It-Back Movement has announced plans to mobilise Nigerians for a nationwide protest following the alleged use of teargas on peaceful demonstrators at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon, the group accused security operatives of firing teargas at unarmed citizens who had gathered to demand urgent electoral reforms, particularly legislation mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results.
According to the movement, the protesters assembled peacefully to urge lawmakers to prioritise reforms that would strengthen transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral system. However, the group alleged that security agents responded with force instead of engaging the demonstrators.
The organisation described the incident as a “violent suppression of democratic rights,” insisting that the use of teargas against peaceful protesters violates constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and assembly.
The group further stressed that protest remains a legitimate civic tool in a democracy and warned that repeated crackdowns on peaceful demonstrations could deepen public distrust in democratic institutions.
Central to the protesters’ demands is the immediate passage of a bill that would ensure real-time electronic transmission of election results, which the movement says is critical to restoring confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The group also held the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, responsible for the conduct of officers under his command, alleging a pattern of intolerance toward dissent and excessive force against civil actions. It called for his removal from office.
The Take-It-Back Movement urged Nigerians nationwide to prepare for coordinated mass protests, noting that details of the planned demonstrations will be announced in the coming days.
