(DDM) – Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has warned of a possible nationwide shutdown if electoral reforms he and other advocates consider critical are not implemented within days.
The warning came during recent demonstrations in Abuja focused on proposed amendments to Nigeria’s electoral laws, particularly provisions concerning the transmission of election results.
According to coverage by Symfoni TV, Sowore addressed protesters gathered under the banner of the “Occupy National Assembly” movement, where citizens demanded mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results in the 2026 Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
Sowore told the crowd that the responsibility for shaping Nigeria’s democratic future rests largely with young people, whom he described as the majority stakeholders in the country.
He argued that political leaders remain powerful mainly because citizens have not fully exercised their collective influence.
The activist estimated that the number of individuals at the center of political power is relatively small compared to Nigeria’s population, saying organized civic action could compel leaders to respond to public demands.
Sowore emphasized that public officials are paid with taxpayers’ money and therefore answerable to the people.
He framed this relationship as evidence that citizens hold ultimate authority in a democracy when they choose to assert it lawfully and collectively.
The publisher of Sahara Reporters also disclosed that he has been in discussions with other opposition figures about coordinated civic engagement.
Among those he mentioned was Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, who was also present during recent protests at the National Assembly of Nigeria complex.
Sowore stated that if lawmakers fail to act on the protesters’ demands by the time the legislature reconvenes on February 24, demonstrations currently centered in Abuja could expand across the country.
He portrayed such expansion as a strategy to increase pressure for reforms supporters say would improve transparency and public trust in elections.
His remarks included strong language about reclaiming political space for ordinary citizens and resetting governance standards.
The comments have since generated debate among supporters and critics over the tone and implications of his call for mass action.
Some analysts view the statements as part of a long tradition of protest politics in Nigeria, where activists use public demonstrations to push for institutional change.
Others caution that any large-scale shutdown could have economic and security consequences if not carefully managed.
As of now, there has been no formal response from federal authorities regarding Sowore’s latest ultimatum.
The situation places renewed attention on electoral reform, an issue that has remained central in Nigeria’s political discourse since the last general elections.
Whether the warnings translate into broader nationwide protests may depend on legislative actions in the coming days and the ability of organizers to mobilize public support.
