The Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday fired teargas at a group of demonstrators at the National Assembly in Abuja who were protesting over the Electoral Act.
The crowd had gathered by the gate to show displeasure with recent decisions by lawmakers on how election results should be announced, particularly the role of electronic transmission.
Witnesses said the protesters were initially holding signs and shouting outside the legislature’s main entrance.
As the demonstration went on, some people in the group tried to break through the barrier blocking the way into the National Assembly grounds.
When this happened, police officers responded by launching teargas canisters in an effort to stop the crowd from advancing further.
Several people, including women, ran back to avoid the gas, causing confusion and chaos at the scene.
Amid the scramble to escape the cloud of gas, at least one woman collapsed, reportedly because of the effects of the smoke in the air.
Others struggled to find clear air as they moved away from where the canisters were deployed.
Meanwhile, inside the National Assembly complex during the same day, lawmakers in the House of Representatives were locked in a heated session over the same Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
Members had called an emergency meeting to address concerns about the bill ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, said the purpose of the meeting was to look at reversing the bill that the chamber had passed in December and to send it back for further review.
As the issue was put to a voice vote, many lawmakers made opposing sounds, but the Speaker ruled in favour of one side and brought down his gavel.
That action sparked loud objections from some representatives, forcing the session into a pause as members called for more discussion behind closed doors.
