Abuja | Headlinenews.news Desk.
Protesters on Monday converged on the National Assembly Complex in Abuja under the banner “Occupy National Assembly,” demanding clarity and stronger legal guarantees on electronic transmission of election results amid controversy surrounding amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act.
The demonstration, which was ongoing as of press time, drew civil society activists and political stakeholders who oppose the Senate’s reported removal of the “real-time” element from provisions linked to electronic transmission.
Protesters argue that mandatory electronic transmission from polling units is critical to election transparency and public confidence ahead of 2027.
Security around the complex was significantly reinforced, with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed at the entrances and adjoining routes to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The controversy intensified following public exchanges between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Senate President, retired General David Mark, over the Senate’s handling of the clause.
Akpabio has defended the deletion of “real-time” mandatory transmission wording, while Mark cautioned the Senate against projecting positions that could be construed as speaking for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging lawmakers to align with public expectations and institutional credibility.
Labour also entered the debate over the weekend.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) issued a warning, citing concerns over what it described as conflicting narratives and lack of clarity around electronic transmission, and signalled the possibility of wider mobilisation if the controversy is not resolved transparently.
While acknowledging citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly and engagement, the National Patriots Movement urged protesters and the wider public to exercise restraint, warning that street demonstrations—particularly on politically sensitive issues—often risk being hijacked by miscreants, criminals, or opportunistic opposition actors seeking to amplify unrest.
The group stressed that Nigeria does not need avoidable instability at a time when the country is still navigating security challenges and economic recovery pressures.
The National Patriots further argued that protest action at this stage may be premature and an overreach, noting that legislative engagement and stakeholder pressure are already in motion.
They pointed to ongoing discussions and heightened national attention on the issue, including interventions and public scrutiny driven by prominent Nigerians, organised labour, civil society actors, and sustained media focus, which they say is sufficient to ensure lawmakers take public concerns seriously.
The group urged citizens to allow the legislative review process to run its course, noting that the National Assembly has indicated that it will review contentious provisions and “do the needful” in response to public concern.
In the Patriots’ view, protest should remain a last resort rather than a first action, especially where institutional dialogue channels remain open and the Senate has promised further consideration.
As deliberations continue, the electronic transmission debate has again underscored the delicate intersection between electoral credibility, public trust, and national stability. For now, the situation remains fluid, with security agencies maintaining presence, protesters sustaining demands, and political stakeholders intensifying pressure for a resolution acceptable to Nigerians.
Headlinenews.news Special Investigative Report.
