Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria – In a striking and highly symbolic form of protest, demonstrators on Monday assembled outside the National Assembly complex in Nigeria’s federal capital, bringing mattresses to the site as they demanded that lawmakers explicitly enshrine mandatory real‑time electronic transmission of election results in the amended Electoral Act. The demonstration, part of a broader “Occupy National Assembly” movement, reflects deep public concern about electoral transparency, credibility and democratic accountability as the country prepares for future elections.
Early in the morning, a diverse coalition of civil society organisations, political activists, youth groups, students and opposition supporters converged at the main entrance of the legislature, many carrying mattresses and pillows. The unusual choice of protest paraphernalia was intended as a visual metaphor, signalling that demonstrators were prepared to remain at the site until their demands were met. One participant was seen with a mattress and pillow, drawing attention from journalists and bystanders alike as the protest unfolded.
The protest was triggered by recent developments in the ongoing amendment of Nigeria’s Electoral Act. On February 4, the Senate passed the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Reenactment) Amendment Bill 2026, but in the process removed a clause that civil society and many citizens consider essential. That clause would have mandated the real‑time electronic transmission of results from polling units directly to a central database, using the Independent National Electoral Commission’s infrastructure. Instead, the Senate retained the provisions of the earlier law, which permit electronic transfer of results but do not explicitly require it in real time.
Protesters argue that the absence of a clear, unambiguous requirement for real‑time electronic transmission could leave the door open to manipulation, ambiguity and delays that undermine public trust in the electoral process. Carrying banners and placards with slogans calling for transparency and credible elections, the demonstrators warned that anything short of explicit language in the law would weaken elections and erode democratic confidence.
Among those leading the protest was Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, who has remained a prominent voice in the national discourse on electoral reform. Wearing black and positioned at the forefront of the march, Obi addressed reporters and supporters, urging members of the National Assembly to reconsider their stance and reinstate provisions for mandatory real‑time transmission. “Allow the elections to go through the normal process; whoever wins, we will accept,” he told the assembled crowd, underscoring that his focus was on transparency rather than partisan gain.
Obi’s involvement drew particular attention because of his status as a major political figure and a vocal critic of past electoral shortcomings. Advocates said his participation helped galvanise a wider segment of civil society, including student organisations, women’s groups and supporters of other opposition parties. Members of the African Democratic Congress and the Obidient Movement were also reported among the demonstrators.
The protest took place under tight security. Officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed across the National Assembly precincts to maintain order and manage crowds. Barriers were erected to regulate traffic and prevent any serious breach of the legislative compound. Despite the heightened security presence, the demonstration remained largely peaceful, with no immediate reports of violence or major confrontations.
Protest leaders articulated their demands clearly: they want lawmakers to expressly include the phrase “real‑time electronic transmission” in the amended Electoral Act, with no room for discretionary interpretation. According to proponents, this standard aligns with global best practices and would help ensure that results from every polling unit are available on public platforms promptly after counting, reducing opportunities for doctored tabulations or extended delays.
The controversy stems in part from the Senate’s decision to prioritise other concerns over the real‑time transmission clause. Some lawmakers have indicated that they feared mandating real‑time transmission could lead to legal disputes in the event of network outages or technical challenges on election day, arguing that flexibility was necessary. Still, critics view the Senate’s position as a retreat from reforms aimed at strengthening electoral integrity.
The debate has broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic processes. Public confidence in elections has been a recurring issue in recent cycles, with critics pointing to slow result uploads, allegations of manipulation and inconsistent procedures as factors that weaken the legitimacy of outcomes. Civil society groups have long advocated for structural reforms, including more robust electronic systems, transparency measures and strengthened legal frameworks to safeguard the will of voters.
This protest also follows earlier warnings by activist groups. The Obidient Movement, for example, had previously signalled intentions to stage mass action if the Senate rejected mandatory real‑time electronic transmission, framing the issue as not merely technical but fundamental to democratic fairness.
As the demonstration continued, protest organisers said they were prepared to sustain pressure on lawmakers until their demands were addressed. They also called on other Nigerians to support electoral reforms that they believe will enhance the credibility of future polls, including the general elections scheduled in 2027. Some analysts have noted that the intensity of public engagement on this issue reflects a growing civic consciousness about how electoral law shapes political outcomes and governance.
The Senate has scheduled an emergency plenary session for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, amid growing pressure and public scrutiny. Lawmakers are expected to reconvene to deliberate further on the Electoral Act amendment, and advocates hope that civil demonstrations, combined with legislative debate, will lead to an outcome that reflects broad public demands for electoral transparency.
Observers say the protest, while peaceful, illustrates a critical moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, with citizens and political actors alike pushing for clear legal standards that reflect contemporary expectations of transparency and accountability in election administration. Whether the legislature will accede to the protesters’ demands remains to be seen, but the demonstration signals that electoral reform remains high on the national agenda.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments