Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday joined demonstrators at the National Assembly in Abuja, calling for the compulsory inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the proposed amendment to the Electoral Act.
Amaechi was seen among protesters in a video circulating on social media, standing in solidarity with civil society actors and youth groups advocating reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The protest comes amid heightened debate over the Electoral Act Amendment Bill ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly on whether the Independent National Electoral Commission should be legally required to transmit results electronically in real time from polling units.
Earlier, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi had also aligned with the protesters, reinforcing demands for reforms that would eliminate ambiguity and limit human interference in the collation and transmission of results.
Scenes from the protest drew significant public attention, especially as some demonstrators arrived with mattresses and pillows, a symbolic indication of their determination to remain at the National Assembly until lawmakers respond to their demands.
Participants, including civil society organisations, youth movements and concerned citizens, insisted that the amended law must clearly stipulate “real-time electronic transmission” to prevent manipulation and safeguard electoral integrity.
While many Nigerians have backed the call for mandatory transmission, some lawmakers argue that such provisions should remain optional, citing infrastructural limitations and logistical challenges.
The Senate has, however, denied claims that it rejected the proposal outright, issuing clarifications to counter what it described as misinformation about its stance.
Despite these assurances, protesters remain resolute, maintaining that only explicit legal backing for real-time electronic transmission can guarantee credible elections and restore public confidence in the democratic process.
