Nigerian youths on Monday converged on Abuja under the banner of “Occupy National Assembly,” protesting the Senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of election results. The demonstration, which began from the Federal Secretariat, moved toward the National Assembly complex amid a heavy security presence drawn from the police, army, and civil defence corps.
The protest follows the Senate’s decision to turn down a proposed amendment to Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Amendment Bill, which sought to make electronic transmission of results mandatory. Demonstrators insist that e-transmission is critical to electoral transparency and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
As of the time of reporting, the protest remained peaceful but tense, with security agencies maintaining tight surveillance around the National Assembly gates. The development adds to growing public pressure on lawmakers to revisit electoral reforms ahead of future elections.