- Peter Obi leads protest at National Assembly over electoral reforms
- Real-time electronic transmission of results sparks fresh tension
- Aisha Yesufu, supporters join demonstration at parliament gates
- Security agencies deployed as protesters demand clear legislation
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi on Monday led a protest to the National Assembly, calling on lawmakers to clearly approve real-time electronic transmission of election results in the ongoing Electoral Amendment Bill.
Obi, who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), arrived at the National Assembly complex alongside hundreds of supporters. Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu was also present, standing with protesters at the entrance of the parliamentary building.
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The demonstration was organised to pressure lawmakers to explicitly include the phrase “real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units” in the proposed amendment to Nigeria’s electoral law.
Security operatives drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other paramilitary agencies were heavily deployed. Patrol vans were positioned around the complex, while officers manned key access points to maintain order.
The protest follows widespread reports that the Senate rejected a clause making electronic transmission of results mandatory. Although lawmakers have issued statements denying any wrongdoing or contradiction, protesters insist the wording of the bill must be clear and unambiguous.
Speaking briefly to supporters, Obi stressed that transparency in elections remains non-negotiable.
“Democracy cannot survive without credible elections. Nigerians deserve results that are transmitted in real time, without room for manipulation,” he said.
Concerns have continued to grow among civil society groups and labour unions. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)has warned that it may mobilise mass action or even push for an election boycott if the National Assembly fails to address what it describes as inconsistencies in the amendment to the 2022 Electoral Act