‘Police Are the Number One Enemy of Nigerians’ – Aisha Yesufu Slams Teargas at National Assembly Protest

Prominent rights activist Aisha Yesufu has sharply criticised the Nigeria Police Force, describing it as “the number one enemy of Nigerians” following the teargassing of protesters at the National Assembly of Nigeria in Abuja.

The confrontation unfolded on Tuesday at the main entrance of the National Assembly complex, where demonstrators had gathered to demand mandatory electronic transmission of election results ahead of upcoming Area Council polls.

Protest Turns Chaotic at National Assembly Gate

Witnesses said tension escalated when some protesters attempted to move closer to the entrance of the complex. Police responded by firing tear gas, triggering panic among the crowd.

Hundreds of demonstrators, including women, were seen fleeing the scene. Some stumbled and fell amid the confusion as smoke filled the air.

The protest was organised to press for reforms in Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly the adoption of electronic transmission of results — a long-standing demand among civil society groups.

Yesufu Condemns Police Action

Reacting on social media platform X, Yesufu accused the police of suppressing citizens exercising their democratic rights.

“The number one enemy of the people of Nigeria is the Nigeria Police Force @PoliceNG!” she wrote.

“On the campaign trail as we have Area Council Election on Saturday only to hear of police tear-gassing unarmed protesters demanding for mandatory electronic transmission of results!

“The Nigeria Police Force is the tool of oppression used to suppress the Nigerian people. That must stop.”

Growing Debate Over Policing and Protest Rights

The incident has renewed debate over the handling of peaceful protests in Nigeria, with critics arguing that law enforcement agencies often resort to force when managing civic demonstrations.

As of the time of reporting, the police had not issued a formal statement addressing the teargassing or the circumstances that led to it.

The development comes amid heightened political activity in the capital ahead of local elections, with calls for electoral transparency dominating public discourse.