Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi joined Nigerians protesting at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Tuesday, standing alongside citizens demanding the mandatory inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the proposed Electoral Act amendment.
Videos circulating online showed Amaechi side by side with demonstrators, adding his voice to calls for transparency and credibility in the electoral process. The protest comes amid growing debate over the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, particularly whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be required to transmit results electronically and in real time from polling units.
The previous day, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi had also joined the protest, emphasizing the nationwide push for a more transparent electoral system. The unusual sight of protesters bringing mattresses and pillows to the National Assembly drew widespread attention on social media, seen by many as a symbolic declaration that they would stay until lawmakers addressed their demands.
Participants included civil society groups, youth organizations, and concerned citizens, all insisting that the bill explicitly enshrine “real-time electronic transmission” to eliminate any ambiguity that could compromise election integrity. While a majority of Nigerians support making real-time transmission compulsory, some legislators argue the provision should remain discretionary, citing logistical and infrastructural challenges.
Amaechi’s presence highlighted the growing momentum behind the protests and reinforced the message that citizens are increasingly demanding a credible and technologically robust electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
