Peter Obi
Picnews
Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, led a protest at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, demanding the reinstatement of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The protesters, including students, civil society groups, and members of the Obidient Movement, expressed dissatisfaction with the Senate’s decision to remove the clause requiring electronic transmission.
The Senate had passed the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Reenactment) Amendment Bill, 2026, but removed the phrase “real-time” from the provision dealing with electronic transmission of election results. Protesters argue that this move undermines electoral transparency and allows for manipulation.
Obi emphasized that Nigerians won’t accept another election glitch, saying, “Allow the election to go through the normal process. Whatever the outcome is, we will accept it. Why introduce confusion after the process?” He urged lawmakers to reconsider their decision.
The protest, tagged “Occupy the National Assembly,” saw a heavy security presence, with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed to maintain order. Despite this, the protest remained peaceful.
The protesters carried placards with messages like “Our votes must count,” “No to electoral robbery,” and “Protect democracy now.” They vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met.
The Senate has since issued clarifications, denying any complexity in its position, but protesters insist on explicit inclusion of “real-time electronic transmission” in the legislation.
The electronic transmission of results was a key demand of civil society groups during the passage of the 2022 Electoral Act, aimed at minimizing human interference and restoring public confidence in the electoral process . The National Assembly is scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday, February 10, to address the controversy.
