Peter Obi Joins Protest at National Assembly Over Election Reforms

West Africa WeeklyFebruary 9, 20261 Mins read21

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi joined protesters at the National Assembly in Abuja, where demonstrators gathered to demand full electronic transmission of election results.

The protest was sparked by concerns over changes to electoral procedures ahead of the next general elections. Demonstrators said electronic transmission is essential to ensure transparency and public trust in the voting process.

Carrying placards and chanting slogans, the protesters called on lawmakers to maintain reforms that allow results to be transmitted electronically from polling units. They argued that the system would reduce manipulation and restore confidence in the electoral system.

Obi addressed the crowd, urging the government and lawmakers to keep the process simple and transparent. He said elections should follow a straightforward procedure that citizens can trust, rather than complicated systems that create confusion.

The demonstration drew attention to growing political tension as the next election cycle approaches. Many Nigerians still recall the controversies surrounding previous elections and the disputes over result transmission.

Supporters of electronic transmission say it is a crucial step toward credible elections. They believe technology can reduce human interference and speed up the announcement of results.

Opponents, however, argue that technical challenges and infrastructure gaps could make full electronic transmission difficult in some areas. They say more work is needed to ensure stable networks and reliable power supply before the system can be implemented nationwide.

The protest at the National Assembly reflects the broader debate over electoral reforms in Nigeria. With political stakes rising, the issue of how votes are counted and announced is once again at the center of national conversation.

For many of the protesters, the message was clear. They want a voting process that is simple, transparent, and trusted by all sides. As the country moves toward another election, the pressure for credible reforms is likely to grow.