Tension in Abuja as Peter Obi Leads Protest Over Electronic Transmission of Election Results

Tension in Abuja as Peter Obi Leads Protest Over Electronic Transmission of Election Results

A protest led by Peter Obi, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), took place at the National Assembly in Abuja on Monday, February 9, 2026. The demonstration, tagged “Occupy National Assembly,” was sparked by the Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results.

The Senate recently passed a resolution rejecting a proposal to make electronic transmission of election results mandatory. This decision has been met with widespread criticism, with many arguing that it undermines the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.

Speaking at the protest ground, Obi faulted the Senate’s position, urging lawmakers to allow the electoral process to proceed without restrictions. He stated, “Allow the election to go through the normal process. Whatever the outcome is, we will accept it. Why introduce confusion after the process?”.

The protest attracted a significant number of Nigerian youths and pro-democracy activists, who converged at the entrance of the National Assembly to express their opposition to the Senate’s decision. The demonstration was peaceful, with security operatives deployed to maintain order around the complex.

The protesters are demanding that the National Assembly reconsider its position on the e-transmission clause of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. They insist that electronic transmission is vital to transparency, credibility, and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

A heavy security presence was noticeable at the scene, with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) deployed to maintain order .