Oby Ezekwesili Condemns Police Crackdown on Electoral Reform Protest

A peaceful protest demanding urgent changes to Nigeria’s election laws was disrupted by police on Tuesday, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to democratic reforms.

Hundreds of demonstrators, led by former education minister Oby Ezekwesili and other civil society figures, had gathered outside the National Assembly to call for mandatory electronic transmission of election results in the amended Electoral Act.

The rally was abruptly ended when officers used tear gas to disperse the crowd, causing panic and forcing many protesters to flee.

Ezekwesili criticized the government’s handling of the protest, warning that weakening key safeguards in the law could jeopardize the integrity of future elections. Organizers vowed to continue advocating for electoral transparency despite the crackdown.