Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday joined demonstrators at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, calling for the compulsory inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the proposed Electoral Act amendment.
In a video shared by X user #ImranMuhammed, Amaechi was seen standing alongside protesters, backing their demand that lawmakers ensure the reform is clearly enshrined in law.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the protest comes amid sustained controversy over the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly on whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be mandated to transmit results electronically and in real time from polling units.
On Monday, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi also joined the protesters, adding his voice to calls for greater electoral transparency and credibility.
An unusual highlight of the demonstration was the sight of protesters carrying mattresses and pillows to the National Assembly, a symbolic gesture widely interpreted on social media as a sign of their resolve to remain until their demands are met.
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The demonstrators — comprising civil society organisations, youth groups, and concerned citizens — insist the legislation must explicitly retain the phrase “real-time electronic transmission” to remove ambiguity and safeguard electoral integrity.
While many Nigerians support making real-time electronic transmission compulsory, some lawmakers have argued that the provision should remain discretionary, citing logistical and infrastructural challenges.
The Senate has repeatedly denied claims that it rejected the clause, issuing clarifications to counter what it described as misinformation about its position.
Despite this, protesters maintain that only clear, mandatory language can prevent manipulation and ensure that INEC does not have discretion over how results are transmitted.