Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has explained his decision to attend the “Occupy the National Assembly” protest in Abuja with his son, saying it was both a precautionary and symbolic move.

Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, Amaechi said his son, a medical doctor, accompanied him to provide immediate assistance should the demonstration turn violent or protesters sustain injuries.

He noted that his participation reflected his belief that political leaders must stand visibly with citizens during moments of national agitation rather than observe from a distance.

Amaechi used the occasion to call on Nigerians and opposition political parties to intensify protests against the Senate’s position on the Electoral Act amendment, particularly the controversy surrounding electronic transmission of election results.

He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of resisting real-time electronic transmission out of fear of electoral defeat, urging parties such as the PDP and ADC to mobilise their supporters.

According to him, concerns that opposition figures could hijack the protest were misplaced, questioning why the APC should be worried if it truly enjoys widespread public support.

Amaechi also criticised the current administration’s handling of governance and living conditions, comparing it unfavourably with the Muhammadu Buhari era in which he served.

He argued that, despite policy challenges at the time, there were clearer plans to cushion the impact on citizens.

He further alleged that corruption has worsened under President Bola Tinubu and expressed doubts about the President’s chances in the 2027 election, insisting that the ultimate decision would rest with the electorate.

Amaechi maintained that opposition parties and civil society groups would continue their advocacy regardless of the stance of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the presidency.

The protest comes amid heightened debate over amendments to the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially the proposal on whether the Independent National Electoral Commission should be mandated to transmit election results electronically in real time from polling units.

While many Nigerians and civic groups support compulsory electronic transmission to enhance transparency, the Senate has argued that making it discretionary would allow flexibility due to logistical and infrastructural challenges.

Protesters, however, insist that removing the real-time requirement could create loopholes capable of undermining electoral credibility.

The Senate on Tuesday revised its earlier amendment to the Electoral Act, reintroducing provisions for the electronic transmission of election results after initially rejecting it.

Under the latest adjustment, results may now be transmitted electronically from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal.

However, the provision is not compulsory, and Form EC8A will serve as the primary backup for collation where internet connectivity fails.

The development followed a motion moved by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno during an emergency plenary session.

Monguno explained that the decision to revisit the earlier position was driven by public concern and the need for the law to reflect citizens’ expectations on transparency in elections.

The Minority Leader, Abba Moro, seconded the motion, after which Senate President Godswill Akpabio subjected it to a voice vote that received majority support from lawmakers.

The amendment effectively rescinds the Senate’s earlier stance, which had excluded electronic transmission as a defined provision in the Electoral Act.

Despite the shift, the new framework stops short of making electronic transmission mandatory, allowing room for manual processes where network failures occur.

The latest action signals a partial concession by the upper chamber amid mounting pressure from civil society groups, opposition figures, and public commentators who had criticised the earlier decision.

The move also acknowledges that the previous version of the amendment did not sufficiently capture provisions for electronic transmission, prompting the need for a legislative correction.

The Nigerian Senate is set to hold an emergency plenary session today as debates intensify over recent amendments to the Electoral Act, particularly the provisions concerning electronic transmission of election results.

The sitting, scheduled for 12 noon at the Senate Chamber, was conveyed in an official notice issued by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, on the directive of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

While the notice did not specify the agenda, the development comes in the wake of public protests and widespread reactions following the Senate’s passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 through a third reading last week.

At the centre of the controversy is Clause 60(3) of the bill, which addresses the transmission of election results.

Lawmakers declined to adopt a proposed amendment that would have made real-time electronic transmission compulsory, opting instead to retain the provision in the 2022 Electoral Act.

The existing clause empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission to determine the method of transmitting results.

The rejected proposal sought to mandate presiding officers to upload polling unit results electronically to the INEC Result Viewing portal immediately after the completion and authentication of result forms.

The Senate also turned down an amendment proposing a 10-year ban on vote-buying offenders, choosing to maintain current penalties that include fines and imprisonment.

Public dissatisfaction over the decision spilled into the streets on Monday, as civil society groups, youth organisations and opposition party supporters staged a protest at the entrance of the National Assembly under the banner “Occupy National Assembly.”

Security operatives from multiple agencies were deployed, barricading the complex, while demonstrators maintained a peaceful presence at the gate.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, now aligned with the ADC, joined the protest and urged lawmakers to make electronic transmission mandatory to prevent a repeat of the technical failures reported during the 2023 general elections.

Responding to the backlash, Senate President Akpabio clarified that the Senate did not reject electronic transmission but only removed the phrase “real time” to avoid legal complications that could arise from network disruptions during elections.

He noted that the intention was to allow INEC flexibility in determining the most practical transmission method.

Former Senate President David Mark also weighed in, suggesting that the National Assembly should leave the decision on electronic transmission entirely to INEC.

Despite criticism, some senators defended the amendment, insisting that the Red Chamber broadly supports electronic transmission.

Senator Victor Umeh stated that the only adjustment agreed upon was the removal of the “real-time” requirement due to network limitations in certain areas, adding that transmission itself was never in dispute.

He further explained that confusion emerged during plenary when a proposal to substitute “transmission” with “transfer” was introduced without debate, an action he said could have been clarified if the matter had been openly discussed.

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.

Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has directed party leaders and officials across the state to immediately harmonize leadership structures at the ward and local government levels, ensuring the integration and accommodation of members joining from the Labour Party (LP), the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The directive was contained in a statement jointly signed by the State Caretaker Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye, and Secretary, Rt. Hon. Barr. Eugene Odo, and made available to DAILY GAZETTE.

The statement serves as definitive guidance for party leaders, stakeholders, and officers ahead of the 2026 Ward and Local Government Congresses.

According to the document, the congresses are critical for consolidating APC’s grassroots structure following the integration of new members.

Party officers have been instructed to verify that all aspirants and eligible voters in their domains have completed e-registration.

Ward Congress Electoral Committee: Stakeholders at all 260 wards must select five persons (at least one woman) to serve on the Ward Congress Electoral Committee.

These names, along with phone numbers, are to be forwarded to the State Chairman Caretaker Committee office.

The committee will include a Chairman, Secretary and three members.

Stakeholders must meet to harmonize all positions within the Ward Executive Committee.

The list must reflect the peculiarities of each ward and accommodate old APC members as well as new entrants from PDP and LP.

LGA and State Congress Delegates: Stakeholders are also to produce harmonized lists of five delegates (at least two women) for representation at the Local Government and State Congresses.

LGA Congress Electoral Committee:

Select seven persons (at least two women) to serve on the Local Government Congress Electoral Committee, with names forwarded to the State Chairman Caretaker Committee office.

Harmonised LGA Party Executive Committee List:

Produce a harmonized list of LGA executives accommodating all wards and including old and new members from APC, PDP, and LP.

Election of Three National Delegates: Three delegates (at least one woman) will be elected at the LGA Congress. No lists of National Delegates are to be submitted at this time as consultations continue.
Congress Schedule

The National Secretariat has released a binding schedule for the upcoming congresses:
Ward Congresses: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

LGA Congresses: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 10:00 am for both dates
Venues: Wards and Local Government Party Offices or other designated locations approved by the party

All officers are mandated to publicize these dates to ensure strict adherence and prevent disenfranchisement.

Ward and Local Government Party Positions;
The statement outlines detailed executive offices at both levels.

Ward-level offices include Chairman, Vice Chairman (woman), Secretary, Treasurer (woman), Welfare Secretary (woman), Youth Leader, Woman Leader, Leader of Persons with Disability, Auditors, and four Ex-officials (two women), among others.

LGA-level positions include Chairman, Deputy Chairman (woman if Chairman is a man), Secretary, Legal Adviser, Treasurer, Welfare Secretary (woman), Youth and Women Leaders, Leader of Persons with Disability, Auditors, Organising and Publicity Secretaries, and four Ex-officials (two women).
Conclusion

The Enugu APC emphasized that the forthcoming congresses are a pivotal moment for building a united, forward-looking leadership structure at the grassroots.

The party expects all exercises to reflect excellence, fairness and inclusivity as any action contrary to the vision of the party leadership will be rejected.

Eighty-three days since police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sealed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat, the standoff between competing factions shows no signs of ending.

The party’s headquarters at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, remains inaccessible, with neither side able to assert control.

Heavy police presence continues, underscoring the severity of the internal crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party.

The prolonged shutdown highlights the deep divisions in the PDP.

On one side is the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Dr. Tanimu Turaki (SAN), supported by PDP governors including Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

On the other is the National Caretaker Committee headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed, backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Both factions claim legitimacy, yet have been forced to operate from separate locations while legal battles and threats persist.

Tensions escalated last Thursday when Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the Caretaker Committee Secretary, announced plans for his faction to take over the secretariat on Monday.

The Turaki-led group immediately rejected the move, with National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong warning that any takeover attempt would be challenged through all legal channels.

When DAILY GAZETTE visited the secretariat on Monday, police barricades and reinforced security measures blocked access, including the road leading to Wuse Zone 5.

Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, National Publicity Secretary of the Wike-backed faction, said his group was waiting for formal police clearance before entering.

He added that the offices would require cleaning and fumigation after weeks of closure.

“The police have not completed their administrative processes,” Mohammed said. “Once they do, we will resume operations. Until then, it is impossible to access the office.”

He insisted that the court had ruled in favor of the Caretaker Committee and warned that any violent attempt to seize the premises would be met with legal action.

Meanwhile, sources close to the Turaki-led NWC indicated plans to block any attempt by the Wike-backed faction to occupy the secretariat, arguing that police access for one faction could be seen as taking sides in a matter still before the courts.

The lockdown of the PDP secretariat followed violent clashes in November between the factions, resulting in injuries and the firing of tear gas at Wadata Plaza.

The incident sparked political tension between governors and the FCT minister, leading the police to seal the building the next day to prevent further confrontations.

Senator Anyanwu maintained that the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led Caretaker Committee is the legitimate leadership of the party.

“The Federal High Court in Ibadan has made it clear that the November 2025 convention was null and void,” he said.

The Turaki-led faction, however, continues to contest the legality of any move to open the secretariat.

Ememobong said letters had been sent to the Inspector-General of Police and FCT Command, reminding them that the building remains under litigation.

“Any attempt to grant access now would be illegal and undermine the authority of the courts,” he said.

In the midst of the dispute, INEC clarified that its recent engagement with the Anyanwu-led faction did not signify recognition of one side over another.

Wilfred Osilama Ifogah, Deputy Director of Publicity at INEC, explained that invitations are addressed to the party as a whole, not to specific factions.

“We do not determine which individuals attend; that is up to the party,” he said, dismissing suggestions that the commission was endorsing one faction.

The PDP crisis at Wadata Plaza continues to cast a shadow over the party’s unity, with both factions digging in and the national secretariat remaining firmly under lock and key.

The All Progressives Congress in Enugu State has fixed February 18 and February 21, 2026, for its ward and local government congresses, respectively, as part of efforts to strengthen its grassroots leadership structure.

In a directive issued to party leaders, stakeholders, and officers across wards and local government areas, the party outlined procedures and expectations for the conduct of the internal elections, stressing transparency, inclusiveness, and strict adherence to the party’s constitution and national timetable.

The party urged stakeholders to immediately confirm the e-registration status of aspirants and eligible voters ahead of the exercises, noting that compliance is essential for participation.

For the ward congresses, stakeholders across the 260 wards are expected to nominate five persons, including at least one woman, to serve on electoral committees.

The committees will be posted to other wards to supervise the process. Party leaders are also required to harmonise ward executive lists to reflect both longstanding members and new entrants from other political parties.

In addition, wards are to produce delegates for both the local government and state congresses, ensuring gender representation in line with party guidelines.

At the local government level, stakeholders are to select seven persons, including women, to serve on congress electoral committees, while also harmonising lists for local government party executives.

Three national delegates are expected to emerge from each local government congress.

The party confirmed that ward congresses will hold on Wednesday, February 18, while local government congresses are scheduled for Saturday, February 21.

Both exercises will begin at 10 am and take place at designated party offices or approved venues.

The APC also released detailed lists of executive positions to be filled at both ward and local government levels, including roles for women, youths, and persons with disabilities, to promote inclusiveness and representation.

Party leaders described the congresses as a crucial step toward rebuilding and consolidating the party’s grassroots structures in Enugu State, especially following the influx of new members.

They called on stakeholders to ensure orderly conduct, fairness, and unity throughout the process, warning that actions contrary to the party’s vision and leadership direction would not be tolerated.

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday night held a closed-door meeting with key political figures from Rivers State, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a renewed effort to ease the lingering political tensions in the state.

The meeting, which took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and reportedly included other prominent Rivers leaders, is believed to be the latest in a series of presidential interventions aimed at reconciling both camps.

The ongoing dispute between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, has fueled political instability in the oil-rich state, with repeated impeachment threats and deep divisions within the state’s political structure.

Although details of the meeting were not officially disclosed, reports indicate that both leaders met privately after the session, a development observers interpret as a possible sign of easing hostilities, at least temporarily.

The latest intervention comes amid renewed pressure following a third impeachment notice reportedly issued against the governor by lawmakers believed to be aligned with Wike.
Despite the high-level engagement, uncertainty remains over whether the talks will produce a lasting resolution.

Analysts believe critical issues surrounding Fubara’s political future, including speculation about his second-term ambition and control of the state’s political leadership, may have formed part of the discussions.

It is also unclear whether lawmakers loyal to Wike will proceed with or withdraw the impeachment process.

Rivers State has been embroiled in political turmoil since relations between Fubara and Wike deteriorated after the 2023 governorship election, despite Wike’s strong backing of Fubara’s emergence as governor at the time.

The crisis has since led to a fractured House of Assembly, competing political loyalties, and sustained legal and political battles.

Fubara’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress has further reshaped the political landscape, raising fresh questions about the balance of power and the possibility of federal backing in the ongoing standoff.

For now, stakeholders say the situation remains fluid, with the outcome of Tinubu’s latest intervention uncertain.