Dare Babalola
Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Monday led a group of protesters to the National Assembly in Abuja, demanding electoral reforms, specifically the approval of real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units.
The protesters, including activist Aisha Yesufu, were met with security personnel as they gathered at the parliamentary complex, chanting and displaying solidarity for electoral transparency and credibility.
Demonstrators, operating under the banner “Occupy National Assembly,” converged to express their opposition to the Senate’s stance on the Electoral Amendment Bill, particularly its decision to discard provisions mandating e-transmission of results.
The protest attracted a broad coalition of civil society organisations, youth groups and persons with disabilities, all united in demanding a transparent and technology-driven electoral process.
The protesters insist that wholesale electronic transmission of election results is critical to curbing electoral malpractice and strengthening public confidence in elections.
Meanwhile, access to the legislature was blocked as security operatives shut the National Assembly gates, preventing Obi and other protesters from entering the premises.
As of the time of filing this report, protesters had commenced a march from the Federal Secretariat, proceeding toward the National Assembly in defiance of tight security restrictions.
