Security was heightened on Monday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja as protesters converged on the premises to demand the immediate passage of the Electoral Amendment Bill, with particular emphasis on mandatory electronic transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The demonstration, led by a coalition of civil society organisations, youth groups and concerned citizens, drew participants from different backgrounds who said the proposed reform was critical to strengthening transparency and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards calling for credible elections, the protesters urged lawmakers to act swiftly, warning that delays could undermine preparations for the next general polls.
Some members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were also present at the protest ground, lending their voices to the call for electoral reforms.
Despite the growing crowd, the protest remained peaceful, with no reports of violence or disruption. Security agencies, including a combined team of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were deployed around the National Assembly gates to maintain order and ensure the safety of protesters and lawmakers.
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Protest organisers said their action was driven by concerns over past elections, where disputes over result transmission and collation sparked public distrust and prolonged legal battles.
They insisted that adopting electronic transmission of results would reduce manipulation, enhance accountability and deepen Nigeria’s democracy.
As the protest continued, protesters called on members of the National Assembly to listen to citizens’ demands and demonstrate commitment to electoral integrity by prioritising the passage of the bill.