Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi joined civil society groups and youth activists at the National Assembly in Abuja during a protest demanding real-time electronic transmission of election results, a move supporters say will strengthen transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The demonstration comes amid ongoing debates within the legislature over electoral reforms and the role of technology in elections. Protesters gathered with banners calling for accountability and urging lawmakers to safeguard digital result transmission as a tool to prevent manipulation.
Eyewitness videos circulating online showed Obi walking alongside demonstrators as they approached the National Assembly complex. Organisers described the rally as a peaceful civic action aimed at encouraging lawmakers to prioritise credible electoral reforms.
Civil society organisations and pro-democracy groups were also present, stressing that electronic transmission of results has remained a major issue since the 2023 general elections. Advocates argue that real-time updates could boost public trust and help reduce post-election disputes.
Obi, who has remained active in national discourse since the last presidential election, has consistently advocated for stronger institutions and greater electoral transparency. During the protest, supporters emphasised the need for Nigeria to align with global democratic standards by embracing technology-driven voting systems.
Security presence around the National Assembly was visible but calm, with no confirmed reports of violence during the gathering.
The protest is part of a broader national conversation about the future of election management in Nigeria. While some lawmakers and stakeholders support electronic transmission, others have raised concerns about infrastructure limitations and cybersecurity risks, calling for careful implementation.
Advocacy groups insist the push for reform is longstanding, noting that public confidence in elections remains central to democratic participation. Political observers say the involvement of high-profile figures like Obi has amplified the conversation, especially among younger voters interested in governance reforms.
Online reactions to the protest have been mixed. Supporters described it as a positive step toward accountability, while critics questioned whether public demonstrations would significantly influence legislative outcomes. Nonetheless, the debate over real-time transmission of election results continues to dominate political discussions nationwide.
Lawmakers are yet to reach final decisions on several proposed amendments related to election technology, ensuring that the issue will remain prominent ahead of future elections.
