By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
Hundreds of demonstrators, including former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi, gathered at the National Assembly (NASS) in Abuja on Monday to protest the Senate’s removal of “real-time” electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
Their key demand was restoration of real-time electronic transmission of election results, to ensure credible elections in 2027.
The protest, organized by the Obidient Movement and pro-democracy activists, aimed to pressure lawmakers to restore the provision.
The Senate had passed the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Reenactment) Amendment Bill, 2026, deleting the phrase “real-time” electronic transmission of election results.
Critics argue this weakens safeguards against manipulation. Despite Senate clarifications, protesters insist the absence of explicit language creates room for abuse.
The demonstrators marched from the Federal Secretariat to the National Assembly, chanting “Our votes must count” and “No to electoral robbery”.
Security personnel blocked access to the complex, forcing protesters to demonstrate outside the gates.
Addressing the demonstrators, Obi condemned the erosion of democratic gains, warning credible elections are key to national stability.
While Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the Obidient Movement Coordinator, vowed to continue agitating until demands are met, Activist Randy Peters accused the political class of betraying democracy.
