On the Violent Repression of Peaceful Protesters at NASS, TIB Mobilizes for Nationwide Protest, Demands Real Time Electronic Transmission of Results, Calls for Removal of IGP Egbetokun.

PRESS STATEMENT

February 17, 2026

On the Violent Repression of Peaceful Protesters at NASS, TIB Mobilizes for Nationwide Protest, Demands Real Time Electronic Transmission of Results, Calls for Removal of IGP Egbetokun.

The Take It Back Movement (TIB) strongly condemns the violent attack on peaceful protesters at the National Assembly, Abuja, where security operatives opened poisonous gas at law-abiding citizens who gathered to demand credible electoral reforms.

The protesters assembled peacefully to call on the National Assembly to pass the bill mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results. Rather than engaging with civility, security agents chose violent repression. This is unacceptable, and highly condemnable.

The attack on unarmed citizens is a direct assault on democracy and a violation of the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Protest is not a crime. The repeated brutalisation of peaceful Nigerians only deepens public distrust and weakens democratic institutions.

The demand before the National Assembly is clear and non-negotiable: the immediate passage of legislation guaranteeing real-time electronic transmission of election results. Electoral transparency is essential to restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process. Any delay or obstruction of this reform raises serious concerns about commitment to free and fair elections.

We hold the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun accountable for the conduct of officers under his command. The persistent use of force against peaceful protesters reflects a troubling pattern of dictatorship, and intolerance for dissent.

Accordingly, the Take It Back Movement calls on Nigerians across the country to begin preparations for a nationwide mass protest. In the coming days, we will announce coordinated actions to press home our demands for credible elections.

We urge all Nigerians, civil society organisations, youth groups, workers, and pro-democracy advocates to remain undaunted, organized, for we have nothing to lose but our chains.

Signed:
Sanyaolu Juwon
National Coordinator
Take It Back Movement (TIB)