The House of Representatives has vowed to investigate the alleged use of tear gas against protesters who assembled at the National Assembly to demand real-time electronic transmission of election results on Tuesday.

Reps spokesman Akin Rotimi said in a statement on Tuesday that the House will review the circumstances that resulted in the police’s use of tear gas to disperse protesters.

“In light of the seriousness of the reports received, the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs will take up the matter with relevant authorities and cause a thorough review of the circumstances that led to the alleged incident,” said Mr Rotimi.

He added, “Where necessary, appropriate steps will be taken in line with the oversight mandate of the House to ensure accountability and to prevent any recurrence.”

Protesters had reconvened at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday, intensifying calls for the mandatory real-time transmission of election results from polling units to the INEC IREV portal.

Footage of the demonstration, however, showed protesters scampering for safety as the police tried to forcefully disperse them with tear gas and other toxic materials.

The House stated it unequivocally recognises that the right to peaceful and lawful assembly is guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), noting that it remains a fundamental pillar of democratic governance and an essential mechanism through which citizens participate in the legislative process.

Acknowledging security agencies’ constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order within and around the National Assembly complex, it said the responsibilities must be discharged with professionalism, restraint, and full respect for the fundamental rights of citizens.

The lower chamber expressed its commitment to Nigerians’ demands, stating, “Our doors remain open to Nigerians who choose to engage the parliament peacefully and lawfully on matters of national importance.”

It, however, encouraged all protesters to remain within the ambit of the law and to avoid any form of incitement, provocation, or conduct capable of escalating tensions.

“We must collectively strengthen the culture of civil protest in our democracy, ensuring that the exercise of rights is matched by a shared commitment to order, responsibility, and mutual respect.

“Constructive civic engagement strengthens our democracy, and the House will continue to promote an environment where citizens can express their views responsibly, safely, and within the bounds of the law,” it advised.

Meanwhile, a former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, said that dispersing Nigerians demanding real-time electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act amendment shows the world that Nigeria is a disgraced country.