Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Monday led a large crowd of protesters to the National Assembly in Abuja, calling for urgent electoral reforms and the compulsory electronic transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The protest, organised by the National Opposition Movement (NOM), saw demonstrators carrying placards demanding transparency in the electoral process and warning Senate President Godswill Akpabio against any amendment to the Electoral Act that could weaken public trust. Some protesters also openly called for accountability from the leadership of the National Assembly over electoral reforms.
Security was tight around the National Assembly complex, with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Army, DSS, NSCDC and other agencies blocking access to the main gate to prevent any breakdown of law and order. The protesters complied with security directives and remained outside the complex.
Addressing the crowd, Obi thanked Nigerians for what he described as a patriotic and peaceful demonstration. He said the protest was about securing a credible electoral process, not causing unrest. According to him, security agencies advised the group not to move beyond the gate, a directive the protesters respected in the interest of peace.
Obi outlined the key demands of the protest, including public verification of candidates’ qualifications and real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units. He argued that transparent elections are standard practice in several African countries and urged Nigeria to live up to its status as Africa’s leading democracy. The protest adds to growing pressure from opposition figures and civil society groups pushing for stronger safeguards ahead of future elections.