Protesters on Monday gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly Complex in Abuja to demand clarity on the Senate’s position regarding the electronic transmission of election results, a key provision in the ongoing Electoral Act amendment.
The demonstrators, who began their march from the Federal Secretariat, were seen converging at the National Assembly gate to push for the mandatory inclusion of “real-time electronic transmission” in the proposed legislation.
The protest follows reports that the Senate rejected the clause mandating electronic transmission of results from polling units. While the Senate has issued clarifications and denied any contradiction, demonstrators insist that the legislation explicitly include the phrase “real-time electronic transmission” to ensure transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s elections.
Some protesters told media outlets that they do not intend to enter the National Assembly premises, emphasizing that the protest will remain at the entrance while maintaining peaceful demonstration.
Security personnel were deployed to maintain order during the protest. Officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were stationed strategically around the National Assembly complex to prevent any breach of law and order.
The presence of these forces ensured that the protest remained peaceful while allowing demonstrators to express their concerns.
Stakeholders, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have previously warned that failure to address the Senate’s contradictory stance on electronic result transmission could trigger mass protests or even a boycott of future elections.
In a statement on Sunday, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the Senate’s actions risk undermining public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and the country’s democracy.
The demonstration underscores ongoing public pressure for reforms in Nigeria’s electoral system, particularly the use of technology to enhance transparency. As debates over the amendment continue, activists and civil society groups are expected to maintain advocacy for mandatory electronic transmission of results, ensuring that future elections are credible and free from manipulation.
