Omoyele Sowore, former AAC presidential candidate, has joined #OccupyNASS protests in Abuja, warning security operatives against attacking peaceful demonstrators.
He said the fight for electoral reforms, particularly electronic processes, isn’t new and is 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 the human rights activist, 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 added.
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.
Sowore insisted only radical change can resolve Nigeria’s political challenges, dismissing gradual reforms.
The activist sees the protests as a growing consciousness among Nigerians, urging collective action to reclaim democratic accountability.
