Civil society protests at NASS, demand urgent electoral reforms

A coalition of civil society organisations and youth groups on Monday staged a protest at the National Assembly, demanding urgent electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The demonstrators called for the immediate passage of the Electoral Amendment Bill, with a strong emphasis on the mandatory electronic transmission of election results. They warned that any delay in the reforms could undermine public confidence in future polls and weaken the credibility of the electoral process.
Before dispersing, participants carried placards urging lawmakers to act swiftly, describing the reforms as critical to transparency, accountability and public trust.
Organisers maintained that the protest was peaceful and non-partisan, despite the heavy security presence at the complex. Personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were deployed to maintain law and order.
Among those seen at the front of the protest was the 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who criticised the Senate over reports that it rejected a clause mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results. Protesters insisted the legislation must clearly include the provision.