Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili has condemned the tear gassing of protesters at the National Assembly of Nigeria, accusing lawmakers of undermining electoral transparency.
She says the action sends the wrong signal to citizens who are demanding accountability in the ongoing electoral reform process.
Ezekwesili, a member of the Movement for Credible Elections, said she joined colleagues earlier in the day to brief the media on their demand for mandatory real time electronic transmission of results at polling units as part of reforms involving the Independent National Electoral Commission.
According to her, the measure is key to strengthening public trust in elections.
In a statement posted online, she said police dispersed protesters shortly after she left for a meeting.
She questioned why citizens exercising their right to peaceful protest were met with force.
She also criticized lawmakers, alleging attempts to weaken provisions on electronic transmission of results.
Ezekwesili warned against forwarding what she described as an anti people bill to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.
She stressed that transparency remains essential for credible elections and long term confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.
