Sowore Joins #OccupyNASS Protest, Warns Security Operatives Against Attacking Demonstrators
Sowore Joins #OccupyNASS Protest, Warns Security Operatives Against Attacking Demonstrators
Sowore said the agitation for electoral reforms, particularly electronic processes, was not new, describing the recent removal of key provisions from the Electoral Act as a deliberate attempt to undermine credible elections.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of Africa Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, on Monday joined protesters tagged #OccupyNASS under the umbrella of National Opposition Movement (NOM) at the National Assembly, Abuja, warning security operatives against any attempt to assault peaceful demonstrators.
Sowore said the agitation for electoral reforms, particularly electronic processes, was not new, describing the recent removal of key provisions from the Electoral Act as a deliberate attempt to undermine credible elections.
“This is an exposition that already existed. It is not new. That is why it is a surprise to everyone that this provision was yanked away from the Electoral Act that Akpabio and his friends are trying to put in place,” he said.
According to him, the ruling political class fears free and fair elections because they cannot win under transparent conditions.
“We know why they are doing it. These people cannot win in free and fair elections. But the people have a duty to demand processes that guarantee free, legal and transparent elections,” Sowore stated.
While acknowledging debates around electronic transmission of results, Sowore said his preference goes beyond transmission.
“My preference is not even electronic transmission of results, because what gets transmitted at the end of the day is what has already been manipulated. I am more interested in electronic voting,” he said.
He stressed that whatever system Nigerians believe would protect the integrity of their votes must be defended and supported.
“Whatever people think in their minds that can protect the integrity of their votes, we must defend and support it,” he added.
Sowore warned security agencies that their constitutional role is to protect citizens, not to repress peaceful protests.
“It is their job to protect the country, not to attack peaceful protesters. I have warned them that if they try that, they are starting something they cannot predict how it will end,” he said.
He noted that Nigerians are deeply frustrated with the political system but emphasised that security operatives must remain professional.
“Nigerians are very angry at this time, but security agents have a duty to maintain law and order, nothing more, nothing less,” he said.
Describing himself as a revolutionary, Sowore dismissed gradual reforms, insisting that only radical change could resolve Nigeria’s political challenges.
“I’m not for baby steps. I’m a revolutionary. Nothing other than revolution will solve this problem. That has always been my position,” he stated.
Sowore added that the presence of protesters at the National Assembly symbolised a growing consciousness among Nigerians.
“When we arrived here, you could tell this place was filled with silent revolutionaries. The giants in them began to awaken when they saw that we were together,” he said.
The activist urged Nigerians to continue organising and engaging collectively to reclaim democratic accountability.
