Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Monday led a protest at the National Assembly in Abuja against the Senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of election results.
The demonstration, dubbed “Occupy National Assembly”, brought together Nigerian youths, pro-democracy activists, civil society groups, women’s organizations, and some members of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC). Participants demanded that lawmakers reverse their position on the electronic transmission clause in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
Speaking to the crowd at the National Assembly entrance, Obi criticized the Senate’s decision, urging legislators to allow the electoral process to proceed transparently. “Allow the election to go through the normal process. Whatever the outcome is, we will accept it. Why introduce confusion after the process?” he said.
Obi and protesters argued that the rejection of electronic transmission undermines public confidence in elections, raising concerns about transparency and credibility ahead of future polls. They emphasized that mandatory electronic transmission is essential for strengthening trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
The protest began early Monday morning, with participants chanting slogans and displaying placards calling for the restoration of electronic transmission of election results. The demonstrators remained peaceful throughout the event.
A significant security presence was observed around the National Assembly complex. Officers from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed at strategic points to maintain order.
The protest comes in response to the Senate’s recent passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which included a clause rejecting mandatory electronic transmission of results—a decision that has drawn criticism from civil society groups and opposition parties nationwide.
Organizers of the demonstration said their goal is to urge lawmakers to reconsider the decision in the interest of democratic integrity and ensure transparent electoral processes.
Civil society leaders at the event called for continued advocacy and public engagement to hold elected officials accountable for upholding electoral reforms that enhance transparency.
The outcome of the protest and its impact on legislative action remain to be seen, as calls for electronic transmission of results continue to dominate discussions ahead of upcoming elections.
