Nigeria: Utomi, Bugaje, Ezekwesili, Falana, others to sue NASS, police over brutality
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
ABUJA, Feb 19, 2026 — The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has condemned the Nigerian Police for using tear‑gas and force against peaceful protesters demanding electoral reforms at the National Assembly on Tuesday. The group says it will launch a “formidable legal action” against both the National Assembly and the Police for brutalising citizens who were peacefully advocating for credible electoral frameworks ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Olawale Okunniyi, head of the MCE’s national secretariat, the coalition called for an immediate, transparent investigation into the police action, a public clarification from the National Assembly on its commitment to mandatory, clearly defined electronic‑transmission safeguards, and an open engagement process with civil society on electoral‑reform provisions.
“Democracy does not collapse in dramatic moments alone; it erodes when lawful dissent is treated as disorder and when transparency is treated as optional,” the statement read. “When citizens ask for credible elections and are met with brute force, the question is no longer about procedure but about power.”
The MCE’s steering council includes prominent figures such as Dr. Usman Bugaje, Prof. Pat Utomi, Ayuba Wabba, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, human‑rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), Amb. Nkoyo Toyo, Hajia Bilikisu Magoro, Ene Obi, Salisu Mohammed, and Bala Zakka, among others.
The group urged Nigerians and its allies to remain “peaceful, resolute and vigilant” as it prepares to file the lawsuit, emphasizing that the right to peaceful protest is fundamental to any functioning democracy.
