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Written by Lizzy Chakupi
Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has added his voice to growing protests in Abuja demanding real-time transmission of election results in a demonstration that drew opposition groups, civil society leaders and activists to the capital.
The protests, tagged “Occupy of Parliament,” began on Monday when hundreds of young Nigerians rallied at the Federal Secretariat and marched to Parliament House to protest the Senate’s decision to remove the phrase “real-time electronic transmission” from the Electoral Law Amendment Bill 2026. Protesters say the move undermines transparency and accountability in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general election.
Amaechi, who attended Tuesday’s demonstration with his son, addressed journalists and claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was concerned about real-time transmissions as it could erode its electoral advantage. “If we come out and say that the opposition has hijacked the protests, what is the APC doing? Are they not hijacking? What are they afraid of?” He added that the opposition should go all out on the agitation.
At the beginning of the protests, Peter Obi, a former Labor presidential candidate and member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stood with demonstrators outside the parliament gates, decrying the rollback of democratic gains and warning that credible elections were non-negotiable. “We must dismantle this criminality and prove that Nigeria can still show light in Africa,” Obi said, appealing to lawmakers to enshrine real-time electronic transmission clearly in the law.
The protest, organized by the Obedient Movement in collaboration with pro-democracy organizations, was attended by various civil society organizations, human rights activists, and pressure groups. Prominent figures seen or reported at the rally include prominent activist Aisha Yesufu. Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Global Obedience Movement. Some supporters of electoral reform held signs saying “Our votes must be counted” and “Defend our democracy now.”
In addition to young demonstrators and politicians, women’s groups, human rights organizations, and some members of the ADC are also actively participating. The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has also supported calls for a review of electoral laws, warning that failure to address reforms could lead to broader national action.
Security around the Houses of Parliament was tight, with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps deployed to maintain order and prevent people from entering the Houses of Parliament.
The Senate is scheduled to convene in an emergency plenary session to further consider electoral reform, but protesters vowed to maintain their presence until real-time transmission provisions are reinstated, arguing that clear legal backing for electronic transmission is essential for reliable and transparent elections.
