Youths Storm NASS Over Electoral Bill, Demand Mandatory E-Transmission of Results

 

Nigerian youths and civil society organisations on Monday staged a protest at the National Assembly complex, kicking against the Senate’s rejection of compulsory electronic transmission of election results, insisting that lawmakers must ensure votes count in future elections.

Operating under the banner, Occupy National Assembly, the protesters converged on the federal legislature to register their opposition to the Senate’s position on the Electoral Amendment Bill, particularly the decision to drop provisions seeking to make real-time electronic transmission of results mandatory.

The demonstrators maintained that full electronic transmission remains a critical safeguard against electoral manipulation and a necessary step toward restoring public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Security presence around the National Assembly was significantly reinforced as the protest gathered momentum. Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were deployed to strategic points within and around the complex.

Gates leading into the Assembly were shut by security operatives, preventing protesters — including former Anambra State governor and presidential aspirant, Mr. Peter Obi — from accessing the premises.

The protest followed last Wednesday’s Senate decision to reject an amendment to Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Amendment Bill, which proposed compulsory electronic transmission of election results.

One of the protest leaders, Mr. Peter Aka, said the action was driven by concerns over electoral integrity and citizens’ safety, warning that the demonstration would continue until lawmakers address their demands.

He accused the 10th National Assembly leadership of attempting to weaken electoral safeguards and vowed sustained civic pressure.

“Our demand is simple — we must protect our votes and our future. We are here legally and peacefully to ensure loopholes that enable rigging are removed. Mandatory real-time electronic transmission is one of such safeguards,” Aka said.

He dismissed claims that technological limitations make nationwide electronic transmission impracticable, describing such arguments as untenable in the current digital era.

According to him, failure by authorities to respond constructively could lead to an escalation of civic actions.

Another protester, Oruche Precious, also known as Mama P, said the rally was peaceful and focused strictly on electoral accountability.

“We are not here for violence. We are here because we want our votes to count. Nigerians are tired of voting and later feeling betrayed by the outcome,” she said.

She described the aftermath of the 2023 general elections as emotionally devastating for many citizens and warned against a repeat in 2027.

“This struggle is beyond party lines. It is about democracy and credibility. What happened before must not happen again,” she added.

Also speaking, a protester identified simply as Manasseh said the gathering represented a united stand by citizens seeking credible reforms.

“At a time when Nigerians are asking for transparency, it appears those in authority are ignoring the people. We will continue to demand what is right until we are heard,” he said.

The protesters called on lawmakers to revisit the disputed clause and enact reforms that guarantee transparency, credibility and public confidence in the electoral system.