Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has instituted a lawsuit against the Federal Government, National Assembly and the Nigerian Police over the alleged violent disruption of a peaceful protest held at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.

The civil society coalition, led by prominent public figures including Dr Usman Bugaje, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), former Minister of Education Dr Oby Ezekwesili, labour leader, Ayuba Wabba, economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, Dr Bilikisu Magoro and Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, accused security agencies of using excessive force against demonstrators, who had gathered to demand the inclusion of key provisions in the 2026 Electoral Reform Bill.

The protest, which took place on February 17, 2026, was reportedly dispersed with tear gas by security operatives despite organisers insisting that participants conducted themselves peacefully while exercising their constitutional right to assembly.

The group, in a statement yesterday by Head of the MCE National Secretariat, Olawale Okunniyi, noted that although the National Assembly later acknowledged the incident during plenary and issued an apology to Nigerians, it failed to take concrete steps to address the grievances raised by the protesters.

According to the coalition, tension deepened after lawmakers proceeded to pass amendments to the Electoral Act, which the group described as unpopular, amid ongoing public opposition.

The MCE alleged that the swift passage of the legislation and its subsequent assent by the President undermined public trust and democratic accountability.

Seeking legal redress, the movement filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja on March 23, 2026. The action was initiated by Falana & Falana Chambers on behalf of members of the coalition and citizens who participated in the protest.

The group’s Director of Publicity, Peter Akah, is listed as the lead deponent in the case, which aims to challenge the legality of the protest’s disruption and secure remedies for affected demonstrators.

Beyond the court action, the organisation announced plans to expand its nationwide activities, including the launch of zonal structures and the inauguration of strategic committees to coordinate mobilisation efforts.