Nigerians Protest at National Assembly Over Ambiguity in Election Result Transmission

Groups of Nigerians gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly in Abuja to press lawmakers for stronger legal language on using technology to send election results electronically. The protest comes amid intense debate over changes to the Electoral Act, especially whether results should be transmitted in real time from polling stations.

The protesters — including political supporters and civil society activists — insisted that the amended law clearly state that results must be sent electronically immediately after counting at polling units. They expressed concern that the Senate’s recent removal of a clause making real-time electronic transmission mandatory could weaken transparency and allow manipulation of results.

Security officers from the police, army, and other agencies were deployed at the assembly complex to keep the demonstration peaceful and prevent any breach of the perimeter.

Organisers said the demonstration was meant to show widespread public concern about electoral credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections and to urge lawmakers to clarify and strengthen the transmission provisions in the Electoral Act.