Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai has stated that he would have participated in protests at the National Assembly alongside Peter Obi if he had been in the country, in response to recent developments over the ongoing amendment of Nigeria’s Electoral Act. El‑Rufai’s comment was made amid nationwide demonstrations against the Senate’s handling of provisions relating to the electronic transmission of election results.
El‑Rufai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remark in an interview on Monday as part of broader reactions to protests and political agitation that have gripped Abuja. He said he would have joined Obi — the former Labour Party presidential candidate and one of the leaders of the protests — at the National Assembly complex to oppose what demonstrators view as a backtracking on promised electoral reforms. The protests are centred on the Senate’s recent removal of explicit wording mandating real‑time electronic transmission of election results in the amended Electoral Act.
The demonstrations, which have drawn student groups, civil society organisations and political activists to the entrance of the National Assembly in Abuja, were triggered after lawmakers in the Senate passed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill for a third reading but altered key clauses. Critics argue the removal of “real‑time” language weakens the transparency and integrity of result transmission and undermines efforts to prevent electoral manipulation and rigging. Peter Obi himself was seen at the protest earlier in the week as activists chanted slogans calling for electoral transparency and clear legal mandates on electronic results transmission.
El‑Rufai’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among some opposition figures and civil liberties advocates who believe that strong electoral reforms, including real‑time result transmission, are essential to curbing rigging and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system. He characterised the Senate’s actions as frustrating a reform process that had already been passed by the House of Representatives. El‑Rufai also suggested that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may be resistant to such reforms because elements within the party believe they could be disadvantaged in future elections without mechanisms that enhance transparency.
The controversy over the electronic transmission clause stems from its implications for the 2027 general elections and wider concerns about electoral credibility. Proponents of the real‑time transmission requirement argue that mandating the immediate upload of results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) central servers would reduce opportunities for result manipulation, enhance transparency and boost public trust in outcomes. Opponents or those advocating caution emphasise technological limitations, infrastructure challenges and the need to preserve flexibility in how results are processed.
Protests branded “Occupy National Assembly” have continued outside the legislature, with participants holding placards demanding that lawmakers either restore the explicit real‑time provision or go further in safeguarding electoral reforms. A heavy security presence, including personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, has been deployed to manage the demonstrations and maintain order.
Beyond El‑Rufai’s statement, the controversy has ignited broader public debate. Civil society groups and labour organisations such as the Nigeria Labour Congress have expressed concerns about uncertainty and contradictory positions emerging from the Senate regarding the electronic transmission of results. They warn that confusion over the law’s provisions could further erode public confidence in electoral processes if not adequately addressed.
Supporters of the Senate’s approach argue that electronic transmission remains permissible under the law and that technical and constitutional considerations justify a careful legislative stance, including the removal of the explicit “real‑time” wording to account for practical challenges such as network outages and legal disputes in the event of technological failures. Lawmakers emphasise that INEC should retain flexibility in determining how results are transmitted, given varying conditions across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
El‑Rufai’s remarks illustrate how the debate over electoral reforms extends beyond legislative chambers into public mobilisation, political alliances and civic activism. His willingness to align rhetorically with protests led by figures like Peter Obi underscores the intensity of opposition sentiment toward the Senate’s handling of electoral reform and the perception among critics that reform processes are being stifled ahead of key elections.
As the legislative process continues and the Senate reconvenes for further deliberations, pressure from protests and public opinion is likely to remain a significant factor shaping discussions on how best to balance electoral integrity, technological feasibility and political interests in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.
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