Peter Obi, a leading figure in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race, on Tuesday led a protest to the National Assembly, mounting pressure on lawmakers over the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act.
Obi, accompanied by scores of supporters, including prominent activist Aisha Yesufu, marched to the entrance of the parliamentary complex to demand that legislators make real-time electronic transmission of election results mandatory in the proposed Electoral Amendment Bill.
Addressing journalists and supporters, the former Anambra State governor cautioned against introducing uncertainty into the electoral process, saying Nigerians had already paid a heavy price for flawed elections.
“We have suffered the consequences. We don’t want any glitch again,” Obi said.
“We want things to go well. Let elections follow the normal process. Whoever wins, we will accept. So why are you bringing this confusion?”
The protest prompted heightened security around the National Assembly, with police, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other paramilitary agencies deploying personnel and patrol vehicles to strategic locations to maintain order.
The demonstration comes amid growing controversy over proposed changes to the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections. Central to the debate is whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be legally compelled to transmit results electronically and in real time from polling units.
While civil society organisations, opposition figures, and many voters argue that mandatory electronic transmission is essential to transparency and electoral credibility, some lawmakers insist the provision should remain discretionary, citing logistical and infrastructural challenges.
The disagreement has intensified public scrutiny of the National Assembly’s role in shaping the legal framework for the 2027 polls.
