By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The House of Representatives on Thursday apologised to protesters affected by tear gas at the National Assembly in Abuja, as spokesman Akin Rotimi addressed journalists during a post-legislative conference on the newly signed Electoral Act. He explained what happened, why the review process followed due procedure, and how lawmakers plan to rebuild public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.
House Apologises Over Tear Gas Incident
Rotimi described the tear gas incident as regrettable. He expressed sympathy for those affected.
He said protesters enjoy constitutional protection. He added that the House has started reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“It should never have happened,” Rotimi stated.
However, he urged protest organisers to prevent infiltration by disruptive elements. He stressed that peaceful protest remains a democratic right.
The apology followed criticism of the Nigeria Police Force after officers dispersed demonstrators at the National Assembly complex.
Lawmakers Back INEC Simulation Proposal
Rotimi also addressed calls for the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a nationwide simulation of its result transmission system.
He said the House welcomes the proposal.
“Let’s test it to know where the gaps are and fix them,” he said.
Civil society groups have demanded mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results. The demand followed debates over contentious provisions in the Electoral Act 2026.
Call for Immediate Publication of Electoral Act
Rotimi supported calls for the quick publication of the new law.
He noted that many lawmakers already have soft copies. However, Nigerians need official access to the document.
He explained that the Authentication Act guides the publication process. The Clerk to the National Assembly must instruct the government printer to release the law.
“Everybody needs to know what has been passed,” he added.
Due Process and Civil Society Engagement
Rotimi defended the amendment process. He insisted lawmakers followed constitutional procedures at every stage.
He said civil society organisations participated throughout the review.
“Every single step complied with the Constitution and legislative rules,” he said.
The conference formed part of ongoing post-legislative engagement. It followed the passage of the Electoral Act 2026 signed by President Bola Tinubu.
Rebuilding Public Trust Ahead of 2027 Elections
Rotimi acknowledged growing distrust in public institutions. He admitted that public confidence remains low.
Nevertheless, he urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the legislature.
“We acted in the best interest of Nigerians,” he said.
He described the law as imperfect but necessary. He also stressed that future amendments remain possible.
“Democratisation is a process,” he noted.
