Protesters on Monday gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly in Abuja to commence the “Occupy National Assembly” demonstration, demanding clarity and firm legislative backing for the electronic transmission of election results.
The protest follows ongoing controversy surrounding the Senate’s stance on e-transmission, with demonstrators insisting that the proposed law must clearly state “real-time electronic transmission” to guarantee transparency in future elections.
Security was visibly heightened at the National Assembly complex, with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed to maintain order and restrict access.
Participants at the protest include members of civil society organisations, some women’s groups, and a few supporters of the African Democratic Congress.
They assembled at the entrance to the complex, where security operatives had already mounted barricades.
Organisers said the protest is intended to remain peaceful and will be confined to the entrance of the National Assembly, noting that demonstrators have no plans to force their way into the premises.
The protesters began their march from the Federal Secretariat and proceeded toward the National Assembly gate, calling on lawmakers to take an unambiguous position on electronic transmission of election results as part of ongoing electoral reform efforts.
Stay tuned….
