Abuja witness serious tension on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as police fire tear gas to scatter protesters wey gather for National Assembly complex to demand stronger electoral safeguards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Hundreds of demonstrators under the #OccupyNASS movement, with support from groups like Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, don camp outside the legislature for four days. Dem dey call for full restoration and compulsory enforcement of real-time electronic transmission of results straight from polling units to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
According to the protesters, the clause wey dem propose to reinforce inside the Electoral Act 2022 amendment go block manipulation of results during manual collation — issue wey many Nigerians blame for disputed elections in the past.
Videos wey trend online show the moment chaos start, as protesters shout say security operatives dey fire tear gas. Thick smoke cover the main entrance area, forcing people to run, cover their faces and regroup at safer spots.
Popular activist Omoyele Sowore arrive earlier in the day and later condemn the use of force, insisting say the protest remain peaceful.
The protest intensify as senators reportedly hold emergency closed-door session to reconsider parts of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. While some lawmakers cite scheduling concerns around the 2027 elections and Ramadan period, critics argue say the move fit weaken transparency provisions.
Security presence around the complex heavy well well, including officers from Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army Guards Brigade and Department of State Services (DSS). Barricades stop protesters from entering the premises, restricting them to the outer perimeter.
Online reactions surge, with many Nigerians questioning why security forces respond quickly to peaceful demonstrators demanding electoral transparency, while insecurity challenges still dey across the country. Some commentators also reference the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing say true transparency go strengthen public trust.
Protesters insist say dem no go back down. Chants like “We no go gree,” “Akpabio pass the bill,” and “2027 – Our votes must count” echo around the area, pointing directly at Senate President Godswill Akpabio and National Assembly leadership.
As evening fall for Abuja, small groups of demonstrators remain on ground, vowing to continue the #OccupyNASS action. With 2027 elections drawing closer, many observers believe say the confrontation fit signal the beginning of wider agitation for electoral reforms to ensure every vote truly count.
