Protesters besiege NASS over electronic transmission of election results
By KEMI KASUMU
They insisted that the amended law must clearly and explicitly include the phrase “real-time electronic transmission” to eliminate ambiguity and enhance the credibility of future elections.
Pro-democracy activists on Monday February 9, 2026 staged a protest at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, calling on federal lawmakers to expressly provide for mandatory, real-time electronic transmission of election results in the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act.
The protesters, who gathered at the main entrance of the National Assembly early in the day, said their action followed reports that the Senate had rejected a clause making electronic transmission of results compulsory.
They insisted that the amended law must clearly and explicitly include the phrase “real-time electronic transmission” to eliminate ambiguity and enhance the credibility of future elections.
Armed with placards bearing messages in support of transparency and credible elections, the demonstrators vowed to sustain pressure on the legislature until their demand is reflected verbatim in the final version of the bill.
According to them, any provision short of a clear and unambiguous mandate could erode public confidence in the electoral process and create loopholes for manipulation.
The protest comes amid public debate over the Senate’s consideration of the Electoral Act amendment.
While the upper chamber has since issued clarifications, saying it does not oppose electronic transmission of results and that there is no contradiction in its position, the protesters maintained that such assurances must be clearly entrenched in the law rather than left open to interpretation or administrative discretion.
Security was heightened around the National Assembly during the protest, with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) deployed to maintain law and order. Traffic movement in the vicinity of the complex was partially restricted.
As at the time of filing this report, the protest remained peaceful, with demonstrators urging lawmakers to align with public expectations and global best practices by guaranteeing real-time electronic transmission of election results in the amended Electoral Act.
