Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has stated that claims that certain states lack network coverage are no longer acceptable, calling for the electronic transmission of election results in real time across Nigeria.
Obi made the statement on Tuesday after joining the “Occupy the National Assembly” protest, organized by members of the Obidient Movement and pro-democracy activists, who accused lawmakers of undermining electoral transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on the sidelines, the former governor of Anambra State said he had participated in the protest to “demand urgent electoral reforms that truly reflect the will of the Nigerian people.”
Obi believes that anyone seeking public office must adhere to constitutional obligations and go through transparent processes.
He underlined the importance of candidates providing verifiable records of their primary, secondary, and tertiary education, as well as participating in open campaigns, public scrutiny, and debates.
“No one should aspire to lead without having gone through due process,” remarked the former Anambra governor.
In terms of electronic voting and result transmission, Obi stated that network justifications could no longer be used to justify delays or manipulation.
“Most importantly, election results must be transmitted electronically and in real time to protect the people’s mandate and eliminate manipulation. Claims that certain states lack network coverage are no longer acceptable,” he said, pointing out that financial institutions operate nationwide through secure digital networks daily.
“If banking systems function seamlessly, our electoral system can and should do the same,” Obi added.
He urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to remain active and dedicated to credible elections, stressing that the country must shift from being “a so-called Giant of Africa that disgraces the continent” to being “a beacon of exemplary governance, beginning with credible elections.”
Chronicle NG reports that Obi joined hundreds of demonstrators at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Monday, protesting the Senate’s removal of the phrase “real-time” from electronic transmission provisions in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
Protesters marched from the Federal Secretariat to the National Assembly, carrying signs that said “Our votes must count,” “No to electoral robbery,” and “Protect democracy now.”
Last Thursday, the Senate approved the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Reenactment) Amendment Bill, 2026, on third reading.
Critics believe that removing the term “real-time” weakens safeguards against manipulation, notwithstanding the Senate’s insistence that electronic transmission was not rejected.
