Prophet Isa El-Buba Tear-Gassed at National Assembly During E-Transmission Protest
Prophet Isa El-Buba, the General Overseer of Evangelical Outreach Ministries International based in Jos, Plateau State, was subjected to tear gas on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, while participating in a protest at the National Assembly in Abuja. The demonstration was organized to demand the electronic transmission of election results, a contentious issue that has ignited widespread public debate following recent amendments to the Electoral Act.
Incident Details and Public Reaction
The incident occurred as Prophet El-Buba joined youth advocates and civil society groups calling for greater transparency and accountability in Nigeria's electoral process. In a three-minute video posted on his social media handle, the visibly affected prophet disclosed the tear-gassing, captioning it: "I was tear-gassed at the National Assembly Abuja, in my own country for what reason???" He emphasized that he had just returned from the United States, where he had engaged with lawmakers without incident, contrasting this with the treatment he received in Abuja.
In the video, Prophet El-Buba urged Nigerians to take responsibility for their democracy, stating: "Every Nigerian is responsible to decide what happens in your country. You either allow tyranny or allow democracy to reign." He highlighted the stark difference in his experiences, noting that he was never tear-gassed when presenting proposals to American lawmakers, and questioned why Nigerians advocating for their demands should face such harsh measures.
Broader Context and Political Tensions
This protest has intensified tensions surrounding the Electoral Act amendment, with many citizens and groups pushing for real-time electronic transmission of election results to prevent manipulation and enhance credibility. The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing struggle for electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In related developments, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the Nigerian Senate for rejecting mandatory electronic transmission, calling it a deliberate assault on transparency and public trust. He warned that this decision undermines democratic reforms and risks weakening electoral credibility, urging Nigerians, civil society, media, and the international community to advocate for change.
Additional Political Figures and Responses
Other political figures have also weighed in on the issue. Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai explained his absence from the protest, citing being out of the country, but expressed support for its objectives. He criticized the Senate for blocking real-time electronic transmission, arguing that electoral manipulation often occurs at coalition centers rather than polling units, and emphasized that proper implementation would boost credibility.
Additionally, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi joined protesters at the National Assembly, bringing his eldest son, a medical doctor, to the demonstration. Amaechi described peaceful protest as a democratic right and called for greater public participation to pressure lawmakers into restoring electronic transmission provisions for improved transparency.
Implications for Democracy and Future Elections
The tear-gassing of Prophet Isa El-Buba has sparked concerns about the state of democracy and civic engagement in Nigeria. It underscores the growing demands for electoral integrity and the challenges faced by advocates pushing for reforms. As debates over the Electoral Act continue, this incident highlights the urgent need for dialogue and action to ensure that elections reflect the will of the people, free from backroom alterations or delays.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the call for electronic transmission of results remains a critical issue, seen by many as a non-partisan safeguard essential for credible, verifiable, and manipulation-free elections across the country.
