An unusual protest unfolded on Monday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja as demonstrators arrived with mattresses and pillows to press their demand for the mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results.
The protesters, who gathered at the entrance of the federal legislature, were seen carrying bedding materials and, in some cases, lying on mattresses at the protest ground.
The symbolic action drew public attention as the demonstrators vowed to remain at the site until their demands were addressed.
The protest is linked to ongoing controversy surrounding amendments to the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly the refusal of lawmakers to explicitly mandate real-time electronic transmission of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Demonstrators insisted that the amended legislation must clearly include the phrase “real-time electronic transmission,” arguing that anything short of this leaves room for manipulation and electoral irregularities.
While several Nigerians and civil society groups have continued to push for compulsory electronic transmission of results to enhance transparency, some lawmakers have maintained that the provision should remain discretionary. Legislators opposing the move have cited logistical challenges, infrastructure gaps and security concerns in certain parts of the country.
Despite repeated clarifications from the Senate leadership that electronic transmission has not been removed from the Electoral Act, protesters remained unconvinced, accusing lawmakers of deliberately weakening safeguards meant to protect the credibility of future elections.
Security was tight around the National Assembly, with a heavy presence of law enforcement personnel deployed to maintain order as the protest continued. There were no reports of violence or arrests as of the time of filing this report.
The demonstration forms part of a broader wave of civic actions across the country calling for electoral reforms and greater accountability in Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 polls.
