Group Threatens Legal Action Against NASS, Police Over Alleged Brutality of Protesters

The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has announced plans to institute legal action against the National Assembly and the Nigeria Police Force over the alleged use of tear gas and force against protesters demonstrating for electoral reforms.

In a statement issued Wednesday and signed by Olawale Okunniyi, Head of the group’s National Secretariat, the organisation condemned what it described as the “violent dispersal of unarmed protesters” who had gathered to demand transparency in the country’s electoral process.

The group said the incident occurred while lawmakers were deliberating on provisions it claims could weaken safeguards for electronic transmission of election results, warning that the development sends a troubling signal about democratic accountability.

According to the statement, deploying force against peaceful demonstrators undermines public trust in democratic institutions and creates the perception that state authorities are being used to shield controversial legislative actions from scrutiny.

MCE argued that citizens have both the right and civic duty to peacefully demand credible elections, stressing that suppressing dissent risks eroding democratic principles.

Demands

The organisation called for:

An immediate and transparent investigation into police conduct during the protest.

Public clarification from the legislature on its commitment to clearly defined safeguards for electronic transmission of results.

Open engagement between lawmakers, civil society, and citizens on electoral reform proposals.

The group warned that how institutions respond to public participation now would shape confidence in the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

MCE also urged Nigerians to remain peaceful and vigilant while it proceeds with legal steps against the legislature and police over the incident.