Tension escalated at the main gate of the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday as security forces swarmed the protest venue where aggrieved Nigerians under the banner of the #OccupyNASS movement continued their demand for mandatory electronic transmission of election results.

The demonstrators, who have sustained daily protests, were met with an increased deployment of armed military and paramilitary personnel, creating what many described as a battle-ready atmosphere.

Eyewitnesses and civil society observers expressed alarm over the surge in uniformed personnel, which included troops from the Nigerian Army (Guards Brigade), Nigeria Police Force, DSS, NIA, Nigerian Air Force, Navy, FRSC, NSCDC, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.

Despite the protesters maintaining a peaceful posture, the show of force triggered widespread condemnation, with many describing it as undemocratic, excessive and unconstitutional.

Naija News had earlier reported that human rights activist, Aisha Yesufu, who joined the protesters, condemned the heavy militarisation of what she called a peaceful civic gathering, warning that such tactics undermine constitutional freedoms.

“Today again, we are seeing heavily armed security operatives, whether battalions or otherwise, brandishing tear gas canisters and life-threatening weapons. We even saw the military deployed earlier today,” she said.

Yesufu questioned the presence of the military, arguing that their involvement in civilian protests was not only unnecessary but also a misuse of national defence resources.

“Why is the Nigerian military here when the country’s territorial integrity is under serious threat elsewhere?” she asked.

Addressing soldiers at the protest ground, Yesufu reminded them of their constitutional boundaries.

“To every soldier brought here today, know that you are here unconstitutionally. Your job description does not include standing against citizens exercising their right to protest,” she said.

She also referenced the 2020 Lekki Toll Gate incident, cautioning security forces against repeating past mistakes.

“Before you pull that trigger or carry out that order, ask yourself whether it is constitutional or unconstitutional,” she charged.

The protesters maintained that their demand remains clear and non-negotiable: real-time electronic transmission of election results as a legal requirement in the Electoral Act.

“All Nigerians are asking for is electronic transmission of results, nothing more,” a protester declared.