Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, on Monday joined protesters under the banner of the #OccupyNASS movement at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, warning security operatives against any attempt to assault peaceful demonstrators.
The protest, organised by the National Opposition Movement (NOM), is aimed at demanding far-reaching electoral reforms, particularly the adoption of credible electronic processes. Speaking at the venue, Sowore said the agitation for electoral reform was not new, describing the recent removal of key provisions from the Electoral Act as a calculated move to weaken the credibility of elections.
According to him, the decision to expunge such provisions was surprising and troubling. He alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his allies were attempting to roll back gains already made in the quest for transparent elections.
Sowore argued that the ruling political elite are opposed to free and fair elections because they would struggle to win under a transparent system.
“These people cannot win in free and fair elections. That is why Nigerians must insist on processes that guarantee free, legal and transparent elections,” he said.
While acknowledging ongoing debates around electronic transmission of results, Sowore said his preference went beyond that, stressing the need for electronic voting to eliminate manipulation at the source.
“My concern is not just electronic transmission, because what gets transmitted may have already been manipulated. I am more interested in electronic voting,” he stated.
He emphasised that Nigerians must defend and support any system capable of safeguarding the integrity of their votes.
Sowore also warned security agencies to remember their constitutional duty, insisting that their role is to protect citizens, not to suppress peaceful protests.
“It is their job to protect the country, not to attack peaceful protesters. If they attempt that, they are starting something they cannot predict how it will end,” he warned.
He noted that widespread frustration with the political system has heightened public anger but urged security operatives to remain professional and focus solely on maintaining law and order.
Describing himself as a revolutionary, Sowore dismissed gradual reforms, arguing that only radical change could address Nigeria’s political challenges.
“I am not for baby steps. Nothing other than revolution will solve this problem,” he said.
He added that the turnout at the National Assembly reflected a growing political consciousness among Nigerians, urging citizens to continue organising and engaging collectively in the struggle for democratic accountability.
