Tensions rise as protesters return to national assembly over e-transmission clause
Abuja — protesters on monday resumed demonstrations outside the national assembly complex, demanding that lawmakers make real-time electronic transmission of election results mandatory in the proposed electoral act amendment.
The protesters, made up of civil society groups and concerned citizens, insisted that automatic electronic transmission from polling units remains critical to strengthening transparency and preventing manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The renewed protest follows controversy in the senate over clause 60(3) of the amendment bill, where lawmakers debated provisions relating to the transmission and collation of election results. while the senate approved electronic transmission to the independent national electoral commission’s result viewing portal, it retained manual collation as a backup in cases of technical failure a move that has sparked public criticism.
Security operatives were deployed around the national assembly complex, restricting access and confining demonstrators to designated areas outside the main entrance.
Protest leaders argued that the country’s electoral budget already accommodates technological upgrades and that retaining manual backup procedures could create loopholes capable of undermining electoral credibility.
They maintained that clear and unambiguous language mandating real-time electronic transmission is necessary to rebuild public trust in the electoral process.
As lawmakers continue deliberations on the amendment bill, protesters say they will sustain pressure until their demands are reflected in the final legislation.
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