A protest tagged #OccupyNASS began Monday in Abuja as civil society groups, activists and members of the public demanded clearer election laws and mandatory electronic transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 general election. | Nigeria Info FM
Protesters under the banner “Occupy National Assembly” converged outside the legislature on Monday as tensions rose over the Senate’s handling of key electoral reforms.
The demonstrators are pushing lawmakers to explicitly restore mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results in the amended Electoral Act, arguing current wording leaves room for ambiguity and manipulation in the 2027 polls.
Peter Obi, former presidential candidate, marched with youth groups and civil society activists, chanting and holding placards calling for credible elections and transparency.
Organisers say the protest was triggered by the Senate’s recent decision to drop explicit real-time result transmission language from the bill, a move they describe as undermining electoral integrity.
Security was heavily deployed around the complex, with police, army and civil defence officers stationed at key points to maintain order as crowds pressed lawmakers.
Civil society coalitions, including the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and allied groups, warned that delays in finalising the Electoral Act before the 2027 election cycle could erode public confidence and complicate planning for next year’s polls.
