Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi joined protesters at the National Assembly Complex on Tuesday, demanding that real-time electronic transmission of election results be made mandatory in the proposed Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
In a video published on Tuesday by X user #ImranMuhammed, Amaechi was seen standing alongside demonstrators demanding that their demands be met.
The protest comes amid ongoing debate over the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill amendment ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly over whether the Independent National Electoral Commission should be required to transmit polling unit results electronically in real time.
Chronicle NG reports on Monday that former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, had also joined the protesters, lending his voice to calls for electoral transparency and credibility.
The odd sight of protestors carrying mattresses and pillows to the National Assembly garnered extensive attention on social media, with many viewing the action as a symbolic pledge that they would not leave until lawmakers agreed to their demands.
Demonstrators, including civil society groups, youth organizations, and concerned citizens, request that the draft legislation expressly contain the words “real-time electronic transmission” to avoid ambiguity that could jeopardize electoral integrity.
While many Nigerians have urged politicians to make real-time electronic broadcasting mandatory, some legislators have argued that the provision should be discretionary, citing logistical and infrastructural problems.
The Senate has repeatedly denied rejecting the clause, issuing various clarifications to correct what it calls “misinformation” regarding its stance on the topic.
However, protesters have maintained their stance, claiming that precise language is required to prevent manipulation and ensure that INEC cannot use discretion in transmitting results.
