Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
ABUJA, Nigeria — Former presidential candidate and prominent political figure, Peter Obi, on Monday led a group of protesters to the National Assembly complex in Nigeria’s capital to demand greater transparency in the nation’s electoral process, particularly the reinstatement of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the ongoing Electoral Amendment Bill deliberations.
The demonstration, which took place at the entrance of the National Assembly in Abuja, was organised under the banner of “Occupy National Assembly” and drew participation from civil society groups, youth organisations, student bodies and supporters of Obi’s political movement. Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and groups aligned with Obi’s advocacy for electoral reform were among those who marched.
Organisers and demonstrators gathered to protest the Senate’s decision to remove explicit provisions for real-time electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Act 2022 (Reenactment and Amendment) Bill 2026. They argue that reinstating strict electronic transmission requirements — à la results transmitted directly from polling units — is crucial for strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral integrity and preventing the disputes and delays that dogged the 2023 polls
Addressing journalists and supporters near the National Assembly gates, Obi emphasised that the protest aims to protect Nigeria’s democratic future by ensuring transparency and accountability in election results collation. He reiterated that technological solutions like real-time transmission could help prevent irregularities and enhance trust in the process, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Security was visibly heightened throughout the area as officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other paramilitary units were deployed to maintain order. Barriers and security vehicles were positioned around key access points to the legislative complex to prevent any breach while the demonstration continued.
Observers noted that the protest joins a growing chorus of civil society campaigns pushing for electoral reform and enhanced safeguards against manipulation and fraud. Real-time electronic transmission — which entails immediate digital reporting of results from polling stations to a central server — has been a contentious topic since the 2023 election, with many activists insisting that its absence contributed to distrust in the outcome.
Civil rights advocates and political analysts have framed the protest as part of broader civic engagement by Nigerians demanding systemic reforms ahead of future elections. While the Senate has defended its legislative process and maintained that existing provisions are sufficient, critics like Obi and his allies contend that explicit electronic transmission mandates are non-negotiable for credible elections.
As the protest unfolded, demonstrators chanted slogans calling for transparency, fairness, and a more inclusive electoral framework, using megaphones and placards to amplify their demands. Participants stressed that their actions were peaceful and within constitutional rights to assembly and expression, urging lawmakers to listen to the voices of citizens.
The National Assembly has not yet publicly responded to the demonstration, nor have lawmakers indicated whether they will reconsider the contentious clause in the Electoral Amendment Bill. However, the presence of a high-profile figure like Obi at the protest has ensured national attention and intensified discussions on electoral reform.
Monday’s protest marks a significant moment of public mobilisation around electoral legislation in Nigeria’s capital and reflects the increasing willingness of political leaders and activists to engage directly with legislative processes through civic demonstrations. With the amendment bill still under consideration, it remains to be seen how lawmakers will respond to the clamor for technological safeguards and whether electronic transmission of results will be reinstated.
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