Security concerns came to the fore at the National Assembly as protests entered the second day, with a coalition of civil society groups, youth organisations, and pro-democracy activists rallying under the banner of the National Opposition Movement to oppose proposed amendments to the Electoral Act and the implementation of a new tax reform law.
The demonstration, which drew a significant crowd to the legislative complex, prompted the deployment of security operatives to maintain order and prevent any breakdown of law and order. The presence of security personnel underscored growing concerns over public protests at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread insecurity in several parts of the country.
The protesters raised alarm over the electronic transmission clause in the proposed Electoral Act amendment, arguing that unclear provisions could trigger post-election disputes and heighten political tension, potentially worsening security challenges nationwide. The group maintained that transparent electoral processes remain critical to preventing violence and unrest often associated with disputed election outcomes.
Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, who joined the protest, called for an amendment to the Senate’s position on electronic transmission of election results. He stressed that credible and transparent elections are essential to national stability and warned that any ambiguity in electoral laws could fuel distrust and lead to civil unrest.
Beyond electoral concerns, demonstrators also linked worsening economic hardship to Nigeria’s security challenges, blaming the newly introduced tax reform law for increasing financial strain on citizens. The protesters argued that rising living costs, unemployment, and economic pressure could further aggravate social tension and contribute to crime and instability.
Security agencies maintained surveillance around the National Assembly complex as protesters carried placards and chanted slogans demanding electoral transparency and economic relief. Authorities did not report any major security breaches during the demonstration.
Nigeria has historically experienced security threats linked to electoral disputes, including violence during and after election periods. Analysts have repeatedly warned that lack of transparency in election result management can fuel political unrest, communal clashes, and voter apathy, all of which pose risks to national security.
Additionally, economic hardship has been widely recognised as a factor contributing to rising insecurity, including kidnapping, banditry, and urban crime. While the Federal Government has defended ongoing tax reforms as necessary for boosting revenue and strengthening the economy, critics insist that such policies, if not carefully implemented, could worsen public frustration and heighten security risks.
As deliberations on the Electoral Act amendment and tax reform continue at the National Assembly, security watchers say the protests reflect deepening public anxiety over governance decisions and their potential impact on national stability.
