Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Monday joined hundreds of protesters at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja to oppose the Senate’s decision to remove the phrase “real-time” from provisions on electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
The protest, tagged “Occupy the National Assembly,” was organised by pro-democracy activists and drew participants from student groups, civil society organisations, members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and supporters of Obi under the Obidient Movement.
The demonstration followed the Senate’s passage of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Reenactment) Amendment Bill, 2026, which critics say weakens safeguards for transparent elections.
In the amended version, lawmakers deleted the phrase “real-time” from sections addressing electronic transmission of results, a move protesters argue could create loopholes for manipulation.
Participants at the protest described the Senate’s action as a deliberate attempt to undermine electoral credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that timely electronic transmission of results is critical to preventing interference.
Although the Senate has since clarified that it did not completely reject electronic transmission of results, protesters maintained that the removal of the “real-time” requirement leaves room for abuse. Placards carried by demonstrators bore messages rejecting the amendment and calling for stronger electoral safeguards.
Addressing the crowd, Obi urged lawmakers to ensure that elections are conducted transparently and in line with democratic principles.
“It is not a difficult thing,” Obi said. “Allow the elections to go through the normal process. Whoever wins, we would accept.”
The protest continued amid chants and solidarity songs, as demonstrators called on the National Assembly to reverse the amendment and strengthen provisions for credible elections
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