Our Reporter, Abuja
Amid growing national outrage over the Senate’s refusal to mandate real-time electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act amendment, former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday joined protesters at the National Assembly.
Amaechi arrived at the protest ground with his first son, demanding the compulsory inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of results in the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The protest followed sustained controversy surrounding the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, particularly disagreements over whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be legally compelled to transmit results electronically and in real time from polling units.
Standing alongside other demonstrators drawn from civil society organisations, youth groups and concerned citizens, Amaechi urged lawmakers to accede to the protesters’ demands. The protesters insisted that the bill must explicitly retain the phrase “real-time electronic transmission” to eliminate ambiguity and safeguard electoral transparency and integrity.
The former two-time Director-General of the Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Tinubu administration of opposing real-time transmission to manipulate the 2027 elections. He questioned why a party that claims to control several states and the presidency would be fearful of transparent electoral processes.
“They said they have 31 or more governors, and Tinubu is not Jonathan, why are they still afraid of transparent election,” Amaechi queried.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the turnout, Amaechi called on Nigerians and opposition leaders to join the protest in greater numbers.
In a symbolic show of resolve, some protesters were seen bringing mattresses and pillows to the National Assembly complex, signalling readiness to remain at the venue until their demands are met.
The protest, now in its second day, earlier featured former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who led demonstrators to the National Assembly to press for credible and transparent elections.
While civil society groups and many Nigerians continue to urge the National Assembly to make real-time electronic transmission compulsory, some lawmakers argue the provision should remain discretionary, citing logistical and infrastructural challenges in parts of the country.
The Senate has repeatedly denied claims that it rejected electronic transmission of results, issuing clarifications to counter what it described as misinformation.
The renewed protests underscore mounting public pressure on the legislature to amend the bill in a manner that guarantees transparent collation and transmission of results ahead of the 2027 general elections.
