Demonstrators demand real-time results transmission as soldiers deployed to secure Abuja complex
Pro-democracy protesters under the banner “Occupy National Assembly” gathered at the National Assembly complex in Abuja to demand that lawmakers explicitly include real-time electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
The demonstration followed the Senate’s decision to remove the phrase “real-time” from the bill’s electronic transmission provision, which critics say could weaken transparency ahead of the 2027 elections.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi and members of civil society groups, youth organisations, women’s groups and the African Democratic Congress joined the protest, with many carrying placards and chanting for credible elections.
A heavy security presence, including officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, was deployed around the Assembly to maintain order as the protest unfolded.
