Mathew Amaechi
In a dramatic turn of events at the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, police forces deployed tear gas to disperse a large gathering of protesters rallying in support of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for the Kogi Central senatorial district. The demonstration, which began peacefully, escalated when protesters attempted to breach the Assembly’s perimeter, prompting law enforcement to intervene.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been a prominent figure in Kogi State politics, advocating for electoral reforms and increased transparency. Her supporters allege that recent electoral processes have been marred by irregularities, disenfranchising voters in the Kogi Central region. The protest aimed to draw attention to these grievances and demand action from national legislators.
Hundreds of supporters assembled outside the National Assembly early this morning, chanting slogans and carrying placards bearing messages such as “Justice for Kogi Central” and “Protect Our Votes.” Eyewitnesses reported that the crowd remained orderly until a faction attempted to scale the Assembly’s gates, leading to a confrontation with security personnel.
In response to the attempted breach, police units deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd. The sudden use of force caused panic among protesters, with many scrambling to find safety. Medics on-site treated several individuals for tear gas exposure, but no severe injuries have been reported.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command released a statement asserting that the assembly had been declared unlawful after protesters attempted to forcefully enter the National Assembly premises. “While we respect the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly, actions that threaten the security of national institutions will not be tolerated,” the statement read.
Representatives for Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the police’s actions, stating that the protesters were exercising their democratic rights and that the use of tear gas was an excessive response to a peaceful demonstration.
The incident has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with hashtags like #JusticeForKogiCentral trending nationwide. Civic groups and human rights organizations have called for an independent investigation into the police’s conduct, emphasizing the need to protect citizens’ rights to peaceful protest.
As tensions rise, stakeholders are urging dialogue to address the underlying issues prompting the protests. The National Assembly has yet to issue an official response to the incident, but sources indicate that discussions are underway to address the concerns raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters.
This event underscores the volatile nature of electoral politics in Nigeria and highlights the critical need for mechanisms that ensure transparency, fairness, and the protection of democratic rights.
